Observations

Question 1

Covert observation definition, pros and cons

Answer 1

Participants is not aware
- Investigator effects and demand characteristics are less likely meaning participants behaviour will be genuine
- Less ethical: lack of informed consent

Question 2

Overt observation definition, pros and cons

Answer 2

Participant is aware
- More ethical: informed consent obtained
- Investigator effects (participants may change their behaviour because of social desirability) and demand characteristics are more likely

Question 3

Participant observation definition, pros and cons

Answer 3

Researcher takes part (close proximity)
- In-depth data is gathered due to close proximity
- Investigator effects and demand characteristics are more likely

Question 4

Non-participant observation definition, pros and cons

Answer 4

Researcher does not take part (not close proximity)
- Investigator effects and demand characteristics are less likely
- Researcher might miss behaviours of interest due to lack of proximity

Question 5

Naturalistic observation definition, pros and cons

Answer 5

Takes place in naturalistic (unaltered) setting
- Higher level of ecological validity
- cannot be replicated to check reliability, as the researcher is not in control of variables

Question 6

Controlled observation definition, pros and cons

Answer 6

Takes place in artificial (controlled) environment

• Can be replicated to check reliability, as the researcher is in control of variables and therefore can repeat the method as they wish
  Limitations
• Low ecological validity as the researcher records behaviours in an artificial (manipulated) environment, with potential outside interference from the researcher.

Question 7

Structured observation definition, pros and cons

Answer 7

Behaviour is coded using behavioural categories
- Higher levels of inter-observer reliability
- Less rich data can lack internal validity as researchers miss important behaviours

Question 8

Unstructured observation definition, pros and cons

Answer 8

Every instance of behavior is recorded and described
- Rich data leads to greater internal validity
- Lower levels of inter- observer reliability

Question 9

Time sampling definition, pros and cons

Answer 9

Where an observer records behavior at prescribed intervals eg every 10 seconds
- allows for better use of time since fewer observations are made
- not every behavior of relevance to the investigation will be counted if it occurs in between the time frames allocated