Research Methods - Observation Techniques

Question 1

Naturalistic and Controlled Observations

Answer 1

• Whether the setting of the observation is in a structured / controlled or a natural environment.
• Naturalistic observations are designed to examine behaviour without the interference of the experiment

Natural:
(+) People tend to behave more naturally than for controlled observations(higher external validity)
(-) Researcher has no control over the situation. Low internal validity and reliability as compared to controlled observations
(-) Difficult to replicate(controlled observations are easier)

Question 2

Covert and Overt Observations

Answer 2

Overt - participants’ behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge and consent

Covert - … Without their knowledge and consent

Covert - higher in validity -people may change behaviour if they know they are being observed(guess aims of experiment = demand characteristics)

• However, Covert tend to raise significantly more ethical issues than Overt Observation

Question 3

Participant and Non-Participant Observations

Answer 3

Participant - researcher observes participants from Within The Group that they are observing

Non-Participant - researcher observes participants from A Location Away that they are observing

(+) Participant observations give greater insight into the behaviour of the group

(-) unlike Non-Participant observations, they are less likely to be objective

Observer bias (bias in the recording of the observations)- reduced by the use of structured observations, becasue it is more objective