observation techniques

Question 1

What is a naturalistic observation?

Answer 1

Watching and recording behaviour in the setting would occur in which the researcher doesn’t interfere.

Question 2

What are the strengths of naturalistic observation?

Answer 2

• high external validity as findings can be generalised to everyday life. This is as behaviour is studied within the environment where it occurs

Question 3

What are the weaknesses of naturalistic observation?

Answer 3

• replication is difficult due to an uncontrolled environment
• many uncontrolled extraneous variables

Question 4

What is a controlled observation?

Answer 4

Watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment. This is where variables can be controlled and changed

Question 5

What are the strengths of a controlled observation?

Answer 5

• Aspects are focused

Question 6

What are the weaknesses of a controlled observation?

Answer 6

-Low external validity as the environment is not natural

Question 7

What is a covert observation?

Answer 7

Ppts behaviour is watched and recorded without their knowledge or consent but they are informed afterwards

Question 8

What are the strengths of a covert observation?

Answer 8

Ppts don’t know they are being watched which means there are no demand characteristics.This increases internal validity which removes participant reactivity

Question 9

What are the weaknesses of a covert observation?

Answer 9

Ethics are questioned

Question 10

What is an overt observation?

Answer 10

Ppts behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge and consent

Question 11

What are the strengths of an overt observation?

Answer 11

More ethically acceptable

Question 12

What are the weaknesses of an overt observation?

Answer 12

demand characteristics likely

Question 13

What is a participant observation?

Answer 13

Research becomes a member of the group whose behaviour he or she is watching and recording.

Question 14

What are the strengths of participant observation?

Answer 14

Increased insight into the lives of ppts being studied which increases external validity.

Question 15

What are the weaknesses of participant observation?

Answer 15

May come to identify with ppts and lose objectivity as they adapt to a local lifestyle

Question 16

What is a non-participant observation?

Answer 16

The researcher remains outside of the group whose behaviour he/she is watching and recording. As doesn’t interact with ppts.

Question 17

What are the strengths of a non-participant observation?

Answer 17

Allows researcher to maintain an objective psychological distance which is less danger adopting a local lifestyle

Question 18

What are the weaknesses of a non-participant observation?

Answer 18

Less valuable insight as they are too removed.