Observational Techniques

Question 1

What is a naturalistic observation?

Answer 1

Watching + recording behaviour in a setting where it would normally occur

Question 2

What is a controlled observation?

Answer 2

Watching + recording behaviour in a structured environment, where variables are managed.

Question 3

What is a covert observation?

Answer 3

Behaviour of participants is recorded WITHOUT their consent

Question 4

What is an overt observation?

Answer 4

Behaviour of participants is recorded WITH their consent

Question 5

What is participant observation?

Answer 5

Researcher becomes a part of the group who’s behaviour he’s investigating

Question 6

What is non-participant observation?

Answer 6

Researcher records behaviour of group outside of the group environment.

Question 7

What are the 6 types of observations?

Answer 7

Naturalistic observation
Controlled observation
Covert observation
Overt observation
Participant observation
Non participant observation

Question 8

Evaluate naturalistic observations

Answer 8

Strength:
+ High external validity as can be generalised to every day life - behaviour occurs where it naturally would

Weakness:
- Lack of control over research situation makes replication difficult

Question 9

Evaluate controlled observations

Answer 9

Strength:
+ Easier to replicate as EV’s are more controlled

Weakness:
- May produce findings that can’t be generalised

Question 10

Evaluate covert observations.

Answer 10

Strength:
+ PP don’t know they’re being studied = removes participant reactivity + ensures behaviour is natural
+ Increased external validity

Weakness:
- Ethical issues - no informed consent

Question 11

Evaluate overt observations.

Answer 11

Strength:
+ No ethical issues as PPs have informed consent

Weakness:
- Participant reactivity - PPs know they’re taking part in a study - this can strongly influence their behaviour

Question 12

Evaluate participant observations.

Answer 12

Strengths:
+ Researcher experiences the situation as PPs do; provides deeper insight. This increases validity of findings.

Weakness:
- Researcher may identify with group too strongly and thus lose objectivity

Question 13

Evaluate non-participant observations.

Answer 13

Strength:
+ Researcher remains objective as not influenced directly by group

Weakness:
- May lose valuable insight, like from participant observation, bc researcher is too distant from the behaviour being studied