0.10.Types of observations

Question 1

event sampling

Answer 1

• every time the event happens, you record it
• when it’s quiet

Question 2

time sampling

Answer 2

when it’s busy

Question 3

overt observation

Answer 3

• out in the open
• ppts are always aware they’re being studied

Question 4

strength of overt

Answer 4

• more ethical than covert

Question 5

weakness of overt

Answer 5

• demand characteristics- reduces external validity

Question 6

covert observations

Answer 6

• ppts aren’t always aware they’re being studied

Question 7

strength of covert

Answer 7

• demand characteristics are reduced (increases external validity)

Question 8

weakness of covert

Answer 8

• ethically questionable, privacy may be affected

Question 9

participant observations

Answer 9

• researcher takes part in the study

Question 10

strength of participant

Answer 10

greater understanding (increases external validity)

Question 11

weakness of participant observations

Answer 11

• lose objectivity, reduces internal validity (Zimbardo)

Question 12

non-participant observations

Answer 12

• researcher remains separate from the research group being studied

Question 13

strength of non-participant

Answer 13

• more objective (than ppt observation)

Question 14

weakness of non-ppt

Answer 14

• loss of insight as a researcher is too far removed from the situation- reduces external validity

Question 15

controlled observation

Answer 15

• some control/ mainpulation of variables

Question 16

strength of controlled

Answer 16

• can be replicated due to standardised procedures

Question 17

weakness of controlled

Answer 17

• behaviour may be artificial due to setting- low external validity

Question 18

naturalistic observation

Answer 18

takes place where the target behaviour naturally takes place

Question 19

strength of naturalistic

Answer 19

in a natural context- high external validity- generalisable

Question 20

weakness of naturalistic

Answer 20

• low control, making it hard to identify patterns