Which statement about data in a structured observation is true?

Which statement about data in a structured observation is true?

• A. It yields qualitative data by default.
• B. It records all possible behaviours.
• C. It records only predefined specifics and yields quantitative data.
• D. It requires participants to self-report.

Answer: (C)

Structured observation uses a predefined coding scheme to record specific behaviours as they occur. Because the categories are defined in advance, you only capture those predefined behaviours and convert what you observe into numerical data—counts or durations—giving quantitative data. It doesn’t rely on participants’ self-reports, and you don’t capture every possible behaviour, only the behaviours you’ve specified.

Structured observation uses a predefined coding scheme to record specific behaviours as they occur. Because the categories are defined in advance, you only capture those predefined behaviours and convert what you observe into numerical data—counts or durations—giving quantitative data. It doesn’t rely on participants’ self-reports, and you don’t capture every possible behaviour, only the behaviours you’ve specified.