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 whatever behaviour is being studied

Question 2

What is non-participant observation?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What is participant observation?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What is a covert observation?

Answer 4

This psychologist goes undercover and does not reveal their true identity

The group does not know they are being observed

Question 5

What is an overt observation?

Answer 5

This psychologist reveals their true identity and might also state that they are observing the group.

This can mean that demand characteristics occur as participants could change their behaviour when they know they are being observed, leading to invalid results

Question 6

What is a naturalistic observation?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Advantages of a naturalistic observation?

Answer 7

1. Participants are usually unaware that they are being observed so there is a reduced chance of observer effect
2. High mundane realism and ecological validity
3. Useful when the deliberate manipulation of variables would be impractical or unethical

Question 8

Disadvantages of a naturalistic observation?

Answer 8

1. It is impossible to have any control over extraneous variables
2. Problematic to try to determine the cause of a behaviour because the variables are not manipulated l
3. Risk of observer bias