Lesson 2 - Observational Techniques

Question 1

Observation

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Non Participant Observation

Answer 2

This is when the researcher does not get directly involved with the interactions of the participants

Question 3

Participant Observeration

Answer 3

This is when the researcher is directly involved with the interactions of the participants

Question 4

Covert Observation

Answer 4

The researcher goes undercover and does not reveal their true identity, they may even give themselves a new identity
The group does not know that they are being observed

Question 5

Overt Observation

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 6

A researcher observes participants in their own environment and there is no deliberate manipulation of the IV

Question 7

Naturalistic Observation Advantages

Answer 7

Reduced chance of observer effects as participants are usually unaware they are being observed. Observer effects occur when participants change their behaviour as they know they are being observed which decreased validity
High mundane realism and ecological validity
Useful when the deliberate manipulation of variables would be impractical or unethical

Question 8

Naturalistic Observation Disadvantages

Answer 8

Impossible to have any control over EV

Problematic to try to determine cause and effect

Question 9

Controlled Observation

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Controlled Observation Advantages

Answer 10

Cause and effect can be determined

EV can be controlled

Question 11

Controlled Observation Disadvantages

Answer 11

Lower mundane realism and ecological validity
Observer effects could occur as participants know they are being observed (overt observation)
Risk of observer bias