observation schedules n
in classroom observation, analytic instruments (documents) used to record
observable behaviours in classrooms, either as events occur (“real-time
coding”) or with electronically recorded data.
observed score n
see classical test theory
observer’s paradox n
an issue that occurs when carrying out observation in order to study
language behaviour, and which refers to the fact that when we observe
people’s behaviour we may alter the very behavioural patterns we wish
to observe. Hence an observer in a teacher’s classroom may affect both
the behaviour of the teacher and the students, making the data that was
collected unrepresentative of real classroom behaviour. The observer’s
paradox is equally relevant in quantitative research (see halo effect,
Hawthorn effect).
obstruent n
a speech sound (consonants) produced when the passage of the air from
the lungs is obstructed in some way. Obstruents include fricatives, stops,
and affricates. nasals such as /n / and /m / are not usually considered
obstruents because, although the air is stopped in the mouth, it is allowed
free passage through the nose.
In generative phonology, obstruents are often marked [-sonorant] to dis-
tinguish them from sounds such as vowels, nasals, glides, and liquids.
see alsosonorant
OCOMP n
an abbreviation forobject of comparative relative clause
official language n
see national language
off-task behaviour n
see on-task behaviour
one parameter model n
see item response theory
one-tailed test n
also directional hypothesis
observation schedules