8. Observational Techniques

Question 1

What is a naturalistic observation ?

Answer 1

Watching and recording behaviour in the setting within which it would normally occur

Question 2

What is a controlled observation?

Answer 2

Watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment so that some variables can managed

Question 3

What is a covert observation ?

Answer 3

Participants’ behaviour is watched and recorded without their consent

Question 4

What is overt observation?

Answer 4

Participants’ behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge and consent

Question 5

What is participant observation?

Answer 5

The researcher becomes a member of the group they are watching and recording

Question 6

What is a non participant observation ?

Answer 6

The researcher remains outside of the group whose behaviour they are watching and recording

Question 7

How is observation often used in an experiment ?

Answer 7

As a way of assessing the independent variable

Question 8

What are the strengths of a naturalistic observation ? (2)

Answer 8

• high external validity (ecological)

- more natural behaviour

Question 9

What are the weaknesses of a naturalistic observation ? (2)

Answer 9

• Cannot be replicated to check reliability, as the researcher is not in control of variables.
• more uncontrolled extraneous variables

Question 10

What is a strength of controlled observations ? (2)

Answer 10

• Can be replicated to check reliability

- more control over extraneous variables

Question 11

What are the weaknesses of a controlled observation?

Answer 11

• low external validity (ecological)

Question 12

What are the strengths of a covert observation ? (2)

Answer 12

• removes the problem of participants reactivity
• high validity
• Investigator effects are unlikely meaning that participants’ behaviour will be genuine

Question 13

What are the weakness of a covert observation ?

Answer 13

• argued to be unethical as they cannot five informed consent

Question 14

What are the strengths of an overt observation ?

Answer 14

• more ethical, can gain consent

Question 15

What are the weaknesses of an overt observation?

Answer 15

-Behaviour can be distorted through investigator effects in which the participant changes their behaviour through social desirability bias

Question 16

What are the strengths of participant observations ?

Answer 16

• in-depth data as they are in close proximity to the participants and so are unlikely to overlook or miss any behaviours
• increased validity

Question 17

What are the weaknesses of participant observation?

Answer 17

• 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

Question 18

What are the strengths of non participant observation ? (2)

Answer 18

• 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

Question 19

What are the weaknesses of non participant observation ?

Answer 19

Due to a lack of proximity the researcher might overlook or miss behaviours of interest.

Question 20

How can you reduce the effects of participant reactivity in controlled observations ?

Answer 20

You can use a camera or a two way mirror