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Flashcards in Observational techniques Deck (13)
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1
Q

list the 6 different types of observation

A
naturalistic 
controlled
overt
covert
non-participant 
participant
2
Q

what is the definition of naturalistic observation?

A

When people/animals are observed in their normal environment without any manipulation and without their knowledge.

3
Q

eval of naturalistic

A

S: high ecological validity
W: cannot be replicated as researcher is not in control of variables.

4
Q

what is the definition of controlled observation?

A

observation study where researchers have high control over variables - often in a lab setting

5
Q

eval of controlled

A

S:Can be replicated to check reliability
quick to conduct
W: Low ecological validity

6
Q

what is the definition of overt observation?

A

When participants are aware they are being observed

7
Q

eval of overt

A

S: Informed consent
W: investigator effect can distort p’s behaviour leading to social desirability bias

8
Q

what is the definition of covert observation?

A

When participants are not aware they are being observed

9
Q

eval of covert

A

S: less chance of social desirability bias
increases validity by reducing demand characteristics
W: ethical issues - not fully informed consent

10
Q

what is the definition of participant observation?

A

When the researcher becomes involved with the group of participants they are observing.
Can be covert or overt

11
Q

eval of participant

A

S: researcher can collect rich and in-depth data - unlikely to miss anything

W:presence of researcher might influence the participants’ behaviour due to evaluation apprehension

12
Q

what is the definition of non-participant observation?

A

When the researcher observes the participants from a distance

13
Q

eval of non-participant

A

S: investigator effects less likely to occur
W: might miss in-depth data because of distance