4.2 methods Flashcards
What is a naturalistic observation
Takes place in the participants natural setting
Strengths and weaknesses of a naturalistic observation
Observations take place in the natural environment of the participants there is ecological validity and observations get a much in-depth data in detail, which is difficult using any other research method; data is often quantitive and rich and even when quantitive the data can be detailed
Weaknesses: they might be subjectivity because the observer has chosen what to observe and want to record and an observation is of one group or individual at one moment in time, so the data is not generalisable to other people at different times
What is nonparticipant observation
The observer is not a part of what is happening. They sit away from the activity and do not get involved
Strengths and weaknesses of nonparticipant observation
These observers our objective. They can stand back from the situation better than participant observer is, these observers can record data more easily than participant observer is because they have the time to concentrate. They can use Time sampling when tallying, which might be difficult when participating and observing at the same time
Weaknesses: these observers are likely to affect the situation just by their presence and therefore the observations would like validity as they would not be measuring normal behaviour. Also these observers might miss the relevance of some interactions or might misunderstand something, was participant observer is have the advantage of shared understanding with the participants thus validity is compromised
What is participant Observation
Observers are a part of what they are observing; they are involved in the activity, group or situation
Strengths and weaknesses of participant observation
there is ecological validity because the observation is in the natural setting, including not having a stranger present. And a participant observer is likely to give a valid data because the setting is natural and what occurs is also natural
Weaknesses: the observer may be too involved to record all the data, partly because they cannot step back from the situation and partly because they have another role. Also they are difficult to replicate because it’s not easy to find an observer who is also a member of the group
What is a covert observation
participants do not know that the observation is taking place it has been done secretly
Strengths and weaknesses of a covert observation
Behaviour of the participants is likely to be natural because they are unaware that they are being observed, therefore there is validity. The observation is easier because the observer can carry out the study without the participants watching what the observer is doing..
Weaknesses these are often unethical because there is no informed consent; if they are not carried out in a public place, they go against ethical guidelines. The observer cannot be helped by the participants because the participants are unaware that the study is taking place
What is an overt observation
The participants know that the observation is taking place and they are aware of all aspects of the study
Strengths and weaknesses of an overt observation
they are ethical because informed consent can be gained and the right to withdraw can be given, observers can ask for help to set up the study e.g. where to observe from
Weaknesses the participants know that they are being watched so might not act in a natural way, therefore there is doubt about validity of the data. And it might be difficult to carry out because the observers themselves will be watched to see what they were doing
