OBSERVATIONAL TECHNIQUES AND DESIGN AO1 & AO3

Question 1

Naturalistic observation

Answer 1

• Observation of behaviour in a natural setting
• Investigator does not interfere, just observes + records

Question 2

Naturalistic observation EVA ADVANTAGE + DISADVANTAGE

Answer 2

+ High in ecological validity
+ Used to generate ideas for experimental research / validate experimental findings

• No manipulation of variables = cannot infer cause+effect
• Lack of control = no replication
• Ethical problems = invasion of privacy

Question 3

Controlled observation

Answer 3

• Watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment
• i.e. one where some variables are managed

Question 4

Controlled observation EVA ADVANTAGE + DISADVANTAGE

Answer 4

+ Replication is easy as less extraneous variables

• Cannot be applied to real life settings and low in ecological validity

Question 5

Covert observation

Answer 5

• Participants behaviour is watched and recorded without their knowledge or consent

Question 6

Overt observation

Answer 6

Participants behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge and consent

Question 7

Participant observation

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Non-participant observation

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Schedule of Observation is…?

Answer 9

• check list of exact behaviour researcher is looking for (usually based on pilot study) operationalise what we’re interested in + break it down into component parts it should be:
• objective – observer should not interfere – only record
• cover all possible behaviours
• categories of behaviour should be mutually exclusive – not overlap

Question 10

continuous observation

Answer 10

every behaviour recorded in as much detail as possible.

Question 11

continuous observation EVA ADVANTAGE + DISADVANTAGE

Answer 11

+ Possible if behaviour that researcher is interested in doesn’t happen often

• Practically not possible = too many behaviours happening too frequently

Question 12

Systematic observation process + DISADVANTAGE

Answer 12

+ Event sampling= recording the number of times a certain behaviour occurs in a group
+ Time sampling = recording behaviours in a given time frame e.g. recording every 30 seconds

• Missing events if the time samples are not spread randomly throughout the day