Lesson 2 - Observational Techniques

Question 1

What is an observation?

Answer 1

An observation is when a researcher watches or listens to participants engaging in the behaviour that is being studied.

Question 2

What are the types of observations?

Answer 2

Non-participant observation, participant observation, covert observation, overt observation

Question 3

What is a non-participant observation?

Answer 3

This is when the researcher does not get

directly involved with the interactions of the participants.

Question 4

What is a participant observation?

Answer 4

This is when the researcher is directly

involved with the interactions of the participants.

Question 5

What is a covert observation?

Answer 5

The psychologist goes undercover and does not reveal their true identity, they may even give himself or herself a new identity. The group does not know that they are being observed.

Question 6

What is an overt observation?

Answer 6

The researcher watches and records the behaviour of a group that knows it is being observed by a psychologist.

Question 7

What is a naturalistic observation?

Answer 7

A researcher observes participants in their own environment and there is no deliberate manipulation of the independent variable (IV).

Question 8

Evaluation of naturalistic observation.

Answer 8

• Reduced chance of observer effects
• High mundane realism / ecological validity
• Useful when the deliberate manipulation of variables would be impractical / unethical
• No control over EV’s
• Problematic to determine cause and effect
• Risk of observer bias

Question 9

What is a controlled observation?

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Evaluation of controlled observation.

Answer 10

• Cause and effect can be determined
• EV’s can be controlled for
• Lower mundane realism / ecological validity
• Observer effects could occur
• Risk of observer bias