4.2.1 Research Methods Flashcards
Why are lab settings preferred?
Researchers can precisely control the conditions under which learning occurs
What makes an effective observation?
-must be selective in some way (plan what to observe)
-make observation public by recording what is seen and heard to analyse
What are the 2 types of observations?
Naturalistic and controlled
What is a naturalistic experiment?
-observing participants in everyday environment without intervening
-used when lab research is unrealistic or would cause demands characteristics
What is a controlled observation?
-observations in a situation that has been specifically set up
-can be a natural or lab setting
-observer intervenes to manipulate IV
-researchers record behaviour that’s difficult to observe in a natural setting
Strengths of Naturalistic Observations
-avoids problems with consent as people will expect to be watched in a public space
-high ecological validity, can be generalised
-no manipulation to IV so behaviour will be natural
Weaknesses of Natural Observations
-lack of control means low repeatability and reliability
-lack of control means its difficult to show cause and effect as confounding variables may interfere
-ethical issues of privacy invasion
-risk of observer bias can occur if researchers aren’t given guidelines on how to record behaviour
Strengths of Controlled Observations
-avoids issues with consent as observations can occur in public where people expect to be observed
-avoids problems with consent as usually ppts are aware that they’re being observed
-IV is intentionally manipulated, making it more controlled
-greater control=easier replication
Weaknesses of Controlled Observations
-demand characteristics=lower validity
-low ecological validity due to artificial setting
-risk of observer bias can occur if researchers don’t have guidelines on how to research
Weaknesses of Controlled Observations
-demand characteristics=lower validity
-low ecological validity due to artificial setting
-risk of observer bias can occur if researchers don’t have guidelines on how to research
‘Overt Observation’ definition
When participants are aware they they are part of the observation and informed consent can be gained
‘Covert Observation’ definition
When participants are unaware that they are involved in the experiment
Strengths of a Covert Observation
-higher validity as no demand characteristics
-can be used when ppts are unwilling to co-operate
-ppts more likely to act naturally
Strengths of an Overt Observation
-informed consent can be gained
Weaknesses of a Covert Observation
-problematic ethics as ppts can’t choose to be involved
-may be difficult to remain undetected
-replication may be difficult
