7.1: Observational techniques Flashcards
Explain what is meant by ‘overt observation’ (2 marks)
An overt observation is where the observer is clearly visible (not hidden from view) and the people being observed are aware that they’re being observed
A head teacher wanted to increase recycling in his school. He arranged for the canteen to have three bins, one for cardboard, one for plastic and one for food waste. A month later, a psychology teacher decided to see if the students were recycling. One lunch break she watched different students going to the bins. Each time, she wrote down which of the three types of waste they recycled. She positioned herself so that the students could not see her but so that she had a clear view of the bins.
Identify one type of observation being used in this investigation (2 marks).
Justify your answer
Covert observation, because the students didn’t know they were being observed
