L2 - Observational Techniques

Question 1

What is an observation?

Answer 1

When a researcher watches or listens to participants engaging in behaviour that is being studied

Question 2

Non-Participant Observation

Answer 2

When the researcher does not get directly involved with the interactions of the participants

Question 3

Participant Observation

Answer 3

When the researcher is directly involved with the interactions of the participants

Question 4

Covert Observation

Answer 4

When the psychologist goes undercover, without revealing their true identity to the participants. The group does not know they are being observed.

Question 5

Overt Observation

Answer 5

When the researcher watches and records behaviour of a group that knows they are being observed.

Question 6

What is a naturalistic observation?

Answer 6

When a researcher observes participants in their own environment and there is no deliberate manipulation of the independent variable.

Question 7

Advantages of Naturalistic Observations

Answer 7

1. Participants are unaware that they are being observed, so reduced chance of observer effect.
2. These have high mundane realism and ecological validity
3. Useful when the deliberate manipulation of variables would be impractical or unethical

Question 8

Disadvantages of Naturalistic Observation

Answer 8

1. It is impossible to have any control over extraneous variables.
2. It is problematic to try to determine cause and effect
3. There is a risk of observer bias (when the observer knows the aims of the study, so their findings are influenced)

Question 9

What is a controlled observation?

Answer 9

When a researcher observes participants in a controlled and this allows for manipulation of the IV.

Question 10

Advantages of Controlled Observation

Answer 10

1. Cause and effect can be determined

2. EV can be controlled for