4. observation techniques

Question 1

naturalistic observation +,-

Answer 1

researcher observing naturally occuring behaviour in a naturally occuring setting

high external validity
findings can be applied to similar settings
high ecological validity

not controlled
leads to extraneous variables
impact the dv

Question 2

controlled observation +,-

Answer 2

researcher attempts to control certain variables reducing how natural the environment is

high levels of control
variables are controlled
research can be replicated to check for reliability

high levels of control
not reflective of everyday
lacks external validity

Question 3

overt observation +,-

Answer 3

participants are aware they are being observed

aware so
more ethically sound
informed consent means easier to replicate

participants aware they are being observed
demand characteristics
reduces validity

Question 4

covert observation +,-

Answer 4

participants don’t know they are being observed

demonstrate natural behaviour
unlikely to show demand characteristics
increase validity

unaware leads to ethical issues
should gain consent
although they would expect members of the public to view them
ethical issues make it harder to replicate

Question 5

participant observation +,-

Answer 5

when observer joins the group being studied

understand behaviour
increase validity

spends a lot of time with the group
reduces objectivity

Question 6

non- participant observation +,-

Answer 6

observer remains external to those being observered

researcher remains more objective

researcher doesn’t understand the context of behaviour
valuable data is missing