Lesson 2- Observational Techniques Flashcards
What is an observation?
An observation is when a researcher watches or listens to participants engaging in the behaviour being studied
What is a non-participant observation
An observation in which the researcher does not get involved with the interactions of participants
What is a participant observation
When the researcher is directly involved with the interactions of the participants
What is a Covert observation?
When the psychologist goes undercover and does not reveal their true identity.
In this type of observation the group do NOT know that they are being observed
What is a Overt observation?
A type of observation where the researcher watches and records the behaviour of a group that know they are being observed by a psychologist
What is a naturalistic observation?
When a researcher observes participants in their own environment and there is no deliberate manipulation of the IV
Advantages of naturalistic observations?
1) Reduced chance of OBSERVER EFFECT as participants are usually unaware they are being watched
2)High mundane realism and ecological validity
3) they are useful when deliberate manipulation of variables would be IMPRACTICAL or UNETHICAL
Disadvantages of Naturalistic observations
1) impossible to control EV
2) problematic to determine CAUSE and EFFECT
3) Risk of OBSERVER BIAS
What is observer effects?
When participants CHANGE their BEHAVIOUR because they know they’re being watched
What is observer bias?
When the OBSERVERS know the aims of the study or HYPOTHESES and this knowledge influences their observations
What is a controlled observation?
An observation in which a researcher observes participants in a controlled environment.
This allows manipulation of IV
Advantages of controlled observation?
1.CAUSE and EFFECT can be determined
- EV can be controlled for
Disadvantages of controlled observations
- Lower mundane realism and ecological validity
- Observer effects could occur as participants know they’re being observed
- Risk of observer bias
What are operationalised behavioural categories
Specific and observable behaviours to be recorded during an observation.
What is time sampling?
Recording behaviours in a given time frame