8. Observational Techniques (AS) Flashcards
What is the purpose of observations?
Observations provide psychologists with a way of seeing what people do you without having to ask them.
They also allow researchers to study observable behaviour within an actual controlled setting.
What are naturalistic observation is?
Watching and recording behaviour in the setting within which it would normally occur.
What are the evaluation points for naturalistic observation?
They tend to have higher external validity as findings can often be generalised every day life.
The lack of control over the recent situation makes replication of the investigation difficult.
There may be extraneous variables that make it difficult to judge patterns of behaviour.
What are controlled observations?
Watching a recording behaviour within a structured environment – one where some variables are managed.
What are the valuation points for controlled observations?
The same as the naturalistic observations.
What are covert observations?
When participants behaviour is washed and recorded without their knowledge or consent.
What are the evaluation points from covert observations?
The problem of participant reactivity is removed and behaviour observed is definitely natural meaning the data is more valid.
There may be ethical issue issues with these studies as people may not wish to be observed.
What are over at observations?
Put it in his behaviour is washed and recorded with their knowledge and consent.
What are the evaluation points for overt observations?
There likely to be less valid than covert observations because participant reactivity and demand characteristics are a problem.
However the ethical issues are far fewer for the studies as people can consent to be observed.
What is a participant observation?
The researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour they are watching and recording.
What are the evaluation points for participant observation is?
The research experience situation as the participants do we need to have increased insight. This may increase the validity. However the researcher may come to identify to strongly with the group they’re studying and lose objectivity.
What is nonparticipant observation?
The researcher remains outside of the group whose behaviour they are watching and recording.
What are the evaluation points for nonparticipant observation is?
They allow the researcher to maintain objective and there is less danger of them going native. However they may lose valuable insight they gain from being a participant as they are too far from the study.
