RM: Observational techniques Flashcards
(15 cards)
What happens in a naturalistic observation?
Give an example.
- Behaviour is studied in a natural situation where everything has been left as it is normally- the researcher does not interfere in any way with what is happening!
E.g. Watching an infant playing in their normal environment “natural” environment.
What happens in a controlled observation?
Some variables in the environment are regulated by the researcher, reducing the “naturalness” of the environment- and the naturalness of the behaviour being studied.
Participants may know they are being studied and the study may be conducted in a laboratory.
What does a controlled observation allow the researcher to investigate?
The effects of certain things on behaviour!!
What is overt observation?
Observational studies where participants are aware that their behaviour is being studied.
What may researchers do to try and be as unobtrusive as possible?
They may use one way mirrors so they are hidden from view- but the study would still be classed as overt if the participants knew beforehand that they were being observed.
What happens in a covert observation?
Participants do not have any knowledge of being observed, at least not before or during the study. They may be informed afterwards!
What is a non- participant observation?
The observer observes from a distance and does not interact with the people being observed.
What is participant observation?
Observations made by someone who is also participating in the activity being observed, which may affect their objectivity.
What is observer bias?
- Observer’s expectations affect what they see or hear. This reduces the validity of the observations.”
- It is difficult to be objective; what people observe is distorted by their expectations of what is likely or what they would hope to see.”
How can you reduce the risk of observer bias?
Using more than one observer may reduce the risk of observer bias- affecting the validity of the observations.
What do observations provide information about- and what information do they not provide?
Provide information about what people actually do but not information about what people think or feel!!
- Naturalistic observation- what picture does it give of behaviour and therefore does it have high/ low ecological validity?
- What are the disadvantages?
- It gives a realistic picture of natural, spontaneous behaviour!
THEREFORE
It is likely to be high in ecological validity (though this may be less so if participants know they are being observed!
- There is little control of all the other things that are happening- which may mean that something unknown to the observer may account for the behaviour observed!
Controlled observation
The observed can focus on particular aspects of behaviour but what are the disadvantages?
The cost is that the environment will feel unnatural so the participants behaviour will also be unnatural as a consequence, (observations lack validity).
What is the advantage of covert observations?
The participants are unaware of being observed and thus their behaviour is more natural.
What are the ethical issues related to covert observations?
It is acceptable to observe people in a public place as long as the behaviours being observed are not private ones e.g. kissing your boyfriend!!
