Observational Techniques

Question 1

Naturalistic and controlled observations

Answer 1

Naturalistic O
-> take place in tge setting where the target behaviour would usually occur; all aspects of the env are free to vary

Controlled O
-> when you control certain aspects of the research; including manipulating variables and controlling confounding/ extraneous V
-> Ainsworth; two-way mirror used to observe beh,

Question 2

Evaluate naturalistic and controlled observations

Answer 2

naturalistic
-> high external validity as findings can be generalised
-> lack of control over the research makes replication hard
-> uncontrolled confounding V that make it hard to judge any pattern of beh

Controlled
-> findings aren’t generalisable
-> confounding V may be less of a factor so replication is easier

Question 3

Covert and overt observations

Answer 3

Covert = pts are unaware they are the focus of the study; they are observed in secret

Overt = when pts know their beh is being observed and have given their informed consent beforehand

Question 4

Evaluate covert and overt observations

Answer 4

Covert
-> no demand characteristics, all beh is natural = increases the internal validity
-> ethics; people may not wish for their beh to be recorded without knowledge

Question 5

Participant and non participant observations

Answer 5

Participant = the researcher becomes apart of the group they are studying

Non-participant = researcher remains separate from those in the study, and record beh in objective manner.

Question 6

Evaluate pts and non-pts observations

Answer 6

Pts O
-> researcher have an insight into the pts lives = increased external validity
-> can lose objectivity = ‘going native’

Non-pts O
-> remain an objective distance from the pts so avoid ‘going native’
-> lose insight and be too far removed from the beh being studied.