8. Observational Techniques Flashcards
What is a naturalistic observation ?
Watching and recording behaviour in the setting within which it would normally occur
What is a controlled observation?
Watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment so that some variables can managed
What is a covert observation ?
Participants’ behaviour is watched and recorded without their consent
What is overt observation?
Participants’ behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge and consent
What is participant observation?
The researcher becomes a member of the group they are watching and recording
What is a non participant observation ?
The researcher remains outside of the group whose behaviour they are watching and recording
How is observation often used in an experiment ?
As a way of assessing the independent variable
What are the strengths of a naturalistic observation ? (2)
- high external validity (ecological)
- more natural behaviour
What are the weaknesses of a naturalistic observation ? (2)
- Cannot be replicated to check reliability, as the researcher is not in control of variables.
- more uncontrolled extraneous variables
What is a strength of controlled observations ? (2)
- Can be replicated to check reliability
- more control over extraneous variables
What are the weaknesses of a controlled observation?
- low external validity (ecological)
What are the strengths of a covert observation ? (2)
- removes the problem of participants reactivity
- high validity
- Investigator effects are unlikely meaning that participants’ behaviour will be genuine
What are the weakness of a covert observation ?
- argued to be unethical as they cannot five informed consent
What are the strengths of an overt observation ?
- more ethical, can gain consent
What are the weaknesses of an overt observation?
-Behaviour can be distorted through investigator effects in which the participant changes their behaviour through social desirability bias
What are the strengths of participant observations ?
- in-depth data as they are in close proximity to the participants and so are unlikely to overlook or miss any behaviours
- increased validity
What are the weaknesses of participant observation?
- The researchers’ presence might influence the participants’ behaviour due to evaluation apprehension
- may lose objectivity and ‘go native’, this is where the line between being a researcher and a participant becomes blurred
What are the strengths of non participant observation ? (2)
- Investigator effects and evaluation apprehension are less likely as the researcher is not visible
- maintains an objective psychological distance so there is no danger of going native
What are the weaknesses of non participant observation ?
Due to a lack of proximity the researcher might overlook or miss behaviours of interest.
How can you reduce the effects of participant reactivity in controlled observations ?
You can use a camera or a two way mirror
