Observational techniques Flashcards
What is a naturalistic observation?
Watching and recording a behaviour in the setting it would normally take place in
What is a strength of a naturalistic observation?
High ecological validity
High external validity as in a natural environment
What is a limitation of a naturalistic observation?
Replication difficult
Hard to control confounding and extraneous variables
What is controlled observation?
Watching and recording behaviour in a structured environment eg lab
What is a strength of controlled observation?
Scientific- more control over extraneous and confounding variables, replicable
What is a limitation of controlled observation?
Unnatural behaviour
Low mundane realism so low ecological validity
Demand Characteristics
What is overt observation?
Ppts know their behaviour is being watched and recorded.
What is a strength of overt observation?
Ethically acceptable as informed consent given
What is a limitation of overt observation?
Demand characteristics likely
What is covert observation?
Ppts unaware their behaviour is being observed
What is a strength of covert observation?
Natural behaviour so high internal validity
less likely to be demand characteristics
What is a limitation of covert observation?
Ethical issues as no informed consent given
What is participant observation?
The researcher who is observing is part of the group being observed
What is a strength of participant observation?
More insightful- increases validity
What is a limitation of participant observation?
Researcher may lose objectivity- researcher bias
