Component 2 Observations

Question 1

What are naturalistic observations?

Answer 1

A type of field research where there’s no independent variable.
Behaviour is objectively measured in natural everyday environments.
Behaviour is observed and recorded as it randomly occurs or using a coding system looking for specific behaviours.
Participants are often unaware that they’re taking part.

Question 2

What is a controlled observation?

Answer 2

A type of labatory research, where there’s environment is controllled by the researcher.
Participants know that they’re taking part.

Question 3

What is the difference between a covert and overt observation?

Answer 3

Covert observation: Participants aren’t aware they’re being observed
Overt observation: Participants know that they’re being observed

Question 4

What is a participant observation?

Answer 4

The researcher becomes part of the population being studied e.g- homeless and record behaviour
Participant observation involves observing people’s behaviour in the environment in which it typically occurs.