Observational Techniques

Question 1

Naturalistic

Answer 1

Behaviour studied in natural environment. Everything left as it would normally be, researcher doesn’t interfere.

Question 2

N Strengths

Answer 2

High external validity as observed in natural environment so generalisable to everyday life.

Question 3

N Weaknesses

Answer 3

Low control as no control over variables so hard to replicate.
Difficult to predict pattern and trends as EVs uncontrolled.

Question 4

Controlled

Answer 4

Studied in environment where there is some control over variables. Lab setting.

Question 5

C Strengths

Answer 5

Easier to replicate as standardisation in place.

Question 6

C Weaknesses

Answer 6

Low external validity as not in realistic setting so lacks mundane realism.

Question 7

Covert

Answer 7

Pps unaware being observed. For it to be ethical must be done in public where behaviour already happening.

Question 8

Cov Strengths

Answer 8

Pps unaware so no demand characteristics which increases internal validity.

Question 9

Cov Weaknesses

Answer 9

Ethics are questionable as no consent so may not want data recorded.

Question 10

Overt

Answer 10

Pps aware behaviour is being studied and will give informed consent.

Question 11

O Strengths

Answer 11

More ethically acceptable as informed consent given.

Question 12

O Weaknesses

Answer 12

Demand characteristics may be an issue.

Question 13

Participant

Answer 13

Observer becomes a part of the group studying.

Question 14

P Strengths

Answer 14

Greater insight into topic being observed giving greater external validity.

Question 15

P Weaknesses

Answer 15

Objectivity could be lost due to experimenter bias.

Question 16

Non - Participant

Answer 16

Researcher remains separate from group studied as may be impractical or impossible to join.

Question 17

Non Strengths

Answer 17

There is more objectivity so less chance of bias.

Question 18

Non Weaknesses

Answer 18

Experimenter too far removed which reduces insight.