Non-experimental techniques and Case Studies

Question 1

What are non-experimental techniques?

Answer 1

Observations that are used to collect data

Question 2

What are the two types of observation?

Answer 2

Naturalistic and controlled

Question 3

Describe a naturalistic observation

Answer 3

• (e.g Rache 1970)
• natural setting of participants
• no manipulation of setting
• (if the researcher does not partake it is called a non-participant observation; and vice versa if they do partake (participant observation)

Question 4

What is the disadvantage of a naturalistic observation?

Answer 4

• Disadvantages: behaviour of people or animals the researcher is observing will change

Question 5

Describe a controlled observation

Answer 5

• (e.g. Baddeley 1966)
• The researcher controls some of the variable – the amount of control depends on the setting
• In a lab experiment, the researcher can easily control almost all variables
• In a field experiment, the researcher has less control but can still manipulate several variables

Question 6

A researcher must describe whether they will disclose to participants that they are being observed, what are the strengths and weaknesses of doing so?

Answer 6

\+ Strength = participants being aware 
		        makes it more natural
	- Weaknesses = undisclosed is 
		unethical as participants are 
		unable to give informed consent

Question 7

What two methods are there for structuring observations and what are they?

Answer 7

Structured = DV decided in advance
Unstructured = No decisions made
before hand

Question 8

Before you can record a behaviour it must be …. ?

Answer 8

Operationalized

Question 9

What does it mean to operationalize a behaviour?

Answer 9

To define it precisely

Question 10

Once behaviours have been identified an observation schedule is created to act as a specific tally chart to record behaviours throughout experiment, why is it important to do this?

Answer 10

It is important to check that observers are all
interpreting the behaviour categories in the
same way

Question 11

What is a case study?

Answer 11

Studies of one (or a very small group) of participants

Question 12

Why are case studies useful?

Answer 12

Useful as they allow researchers to investigate unique cases in a lot of detail

Question 13

What is the main limitation of Case studies?

Answer 13

Limited number of people investigated makes it difficult to generalise findings