observational techniques

Question 1

define naturalistic observation

Answer 1

watching and recording behaviour in the setting within which it would normally occur

Question 2

evaluate naturalistic observation

Answer 2

+ High external validity this means the findings can be generalised to everyday life
- replication is difficult due to the lack of control over the research situation
- many confounding and extraneous variables

Question 3

define controlled observation

Answer 3

watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment

Question 4

evaluate controlled observation

Answer 4

+ less CV’s and EV’s
replication is easier
- findings can’t be as easily applied to everyday life (low mundane realism)

Question 5

define covert observation

Answer 5

Participants behaviour is watched and recorded without their knowledge and informed consent

Question 6

evaluate covert observation

Answer 6

+ removes chance of demand characteristics
- ethics

Question 7

define overt observation

Answer 7

Participants behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge and informed consent

Question 8

evaluate overt observation

Answer 8

+ ethically acceptable
- demand characteristics

Question 9

define participant observation

Answer 9

the researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour he/ she is watching and recording

Question 10

evaluate participant observation

Answer 10

+ Increased insight into the lives of the people being studied ( high external validity)
- lose objectivity ( researcher identifies to0 strongly with those they are studying)

Question 11

define non participant observation

Answer 11

The researcher remains outside of the group whose behaviour he / she is watching and recording

Question 12

evaluate non participant observation

Answer 12

+ Allows researcher to maintain an objective psychological distance
- lose valuable insight gained in participant observation too far removed from the people and behaviour that they are studying