observational techniques

Question 1

naturalistic observation

Answer 1

watching and recording behaviour in the setting within which it would normally occur

Question 2

eval: naturalistic observations

Answer 2

high external validity as findings can be generalised to real life
however, this makes replication difficult

Question 3

controlled observation

Answer 3

watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment

Question 4

eval: controlled observations

Answer 4

confounding/extraneous variables are less likely so replication becomes more achievable

Question 5

covert observation

Answer 5

pps behaviour is watched and recorded without their knowledge or consent

Question 6

eval: covert observations

Answer 6

removes the problem of demand characteristics
however, ethics may be questioned such as informed consent

Question 7

overt observation

Answer 7

pps behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge and consent

Question 8

eval: overt observations

Answer 8

more ethically acceptable but the knowledge they are being watched may influence their behaviour

Question 9

participant observation

Answer 9

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

Question 10

eval: participant observation

Answer 10

researcher has a better insight into the lives of the people being studied which can increase internal validity
howver, the researcher may lose objectivity

Question 11

non-participant observation

Answer 11

the researcher remains outside of the group whose behaviour he/she is watching and recording

Question 12

eval: non-participant observation

Answer 12

allows the researcher to maintain an objective with their research