Different Types Of Observations

Question 1

Naturalistic

Answer 1

Behaviour is recorded in the place where it would normally occur and nothing is changed in the environment

Question 2

Controlled

Answer 2

A researcher may decide they want to control some aspects of the situation

Question 3

Covert

Answer 3

Participants are not aware their behaviour is being recorded

Question 4

Overt

Answer 4

Participants are told in advance that their behaviour will be watched and recorded

Question 5

Participant

Answer 5

A researcher becomes part of the group they are studying

Question 6

Non-participant

Answer 6

The researcher remains separate from the people they are studying

Question 7

Inter-observer reliability

Answer 7

To make data recording more objective and less biased observation should be carried out by two researchers. However, the pairs of observers must be trained to be consistent in their judgements. This is called inter-observer reliability (this works well when using a behaviour checklist)