Research Methods - observations Flashcards
What is a naturalistic observation
An observation carried out in an environment that participants naturally occupy
What is the strengths of a naturalistic observation
Behaviour is more true to life - high in mundane realism
What is are the limitations of a naturalistic observation
Ethical issues - participants don’t know they’re being observed
What is a controlled observation
An observation that is carried out in controlled conditions
What are the strengths of a controlled observation
High control over extraneous variables
Little ethical issues - informed consent
What is an overt observation
When the observation is disclosed to the participants involved
What are the strengths of an overt observation
More ethical - participants know they are being observed they can give informed consent
What are the limitations of an overt observation
Behaviour is less true to life - low in mundane realism
Social desirability bias
What is a covert observation
When the observation is undisclosed to the participants involved
What are the strengths of a covert observation
Behaviour is high in mundane realism and true to life
What are the limitations of a covert observation
Ethics - no informed consent as participants don’t know they’re being observed
What is a participant observation
Where the researcher/observer is part of the group they’re observing
What are the strengths of a participant observation
The results of the behaviour observed is more detailed
What are the limitations of a participant observation
The researcher/observer could ‘go native’ if they are too invested in the actions/behaviour of the group
What is a non participant observation
The researcher/observer doesn’t take part in the observation
