Types of observation Flashcards
(7 cards)
What types of observation are there ?
Naturalistic
controlled
covert
overt
participant
non-participant
Explain naturalistic observations
The observer watches the behaviour in an environment that it naturally occurs in.
Less controlled environment = less internal validity - less control of variables.
Higher ecological validity - can apply it to real life
May observe children playing with toys in a nursery
Explain covert observations
Researcher records behaviour without ppts knowledge/consent
Removes demand characteristics
Ethical issues - ppt may not want to be apart of research and there is no informed consent.
Explain Controlled observations
Watching/recording behaviour in a controlled environment - lab experiment - Example - Zimbardo’s prison experiment (conformity)
Can manipulate variables/control extraneous ones
Increased internal validity
Decrease ecological validity
Demand characteristics
Explain Overt observations
Records ppts behaviour with the ppts knowledge/consent
More ethical as ppts aware being observed/told reason for study
Usually in a controlled observation.
Increased demands characteristics - ppts know they are being observed.
Explain participant observations
When the researcher is a member of the group being watched.
Better insight into ppt - can understand them more and ppt have more trust as they think researcher is apart of the experiment so may reveal more.
Loss of objectivity if the researcher becomes to involved.
Researcher effects
Explain non-participant observations
Researcher remains outside of the group being studied (not involved)
Research remains objective
Less valuable insights - barrier between researcher and ppts.
