non-experimental - types of observations

Question 1

controlled observation

Answer 1

• conditions are manipulated by the researcher
• may be in lab/artificial environment CONTEXT
• e.g. Ainsworth

Question 2

controlled observation strength

Answer 2

• high reliability
• controlled environment
• standardised procedure CONTEXT
• easily repeated in same conditions to check for consistent results
• gains more respect from other professionals and members of public

Question 3

controlled observation limitation

Answer 3

1. low eco val
   - controlled environment
   - difficult to generalise beyond setting
   - lowers external validity
2. demand characteristics
   ONLY IF PPTS UNDER 10 YRS
   - change natural behaviour
   - to help/hinder researcher
   - due to clues given off

Question 4

naturalistic observation

Answer 4

• watching natural behaviour
• in natural environment
• target population would usually occur
• no manipulation of variables CONTEXT
• e.g. aggression in playground

Question 5

naturalistic observation strengths

Answer 5

1. high eco val
   - real life setting CONTEXT
   - easily generalised beyond setting to other settings CONTEXT - FINDINGS?
   - high external validity
2. less prone to demand characteristics
   ONLY USE IF PPTS OVER 10 YRS
   - less likely to know they are being watched
   - natural setting CONTEXT
   - target behaviour would occur CONTEXT
   - less likely to change natural behaviour
   - to help/hinder
   - increases internal validity

Question 6

naturalistic observation limitations

Answer 6

1. low reliability
   - real life setting CONTEXT
   - difficult to replicate
   - cannot be repeated in same conditions to check for consistent results
2. lack of informed consent
   - ppts do not know they are being watched
   - natural setting CONTEXT
   - no consent
   - if they become aware may withdraw data from study

Question 7

overt observations

Answer 7

• ppts aware their behaviour (CONTEXT) is being observed
• so aware of aims of research CONTEXT
• observer visible

Question 8

overt observation strengths

Answer 8

• more ethical
• ppts aware they are being watched CONTEXT - HOW?
• consent given
• right to withdraw

Question 9

overt observation limitation

Answer 9

• more prone demand characteristics
  ONLY IF PPTS OVER 10
• know they are being watched - CONTEXT - HOW?
• change natural behaviour
• to help/hinder researcher
• based of clues given
• lowers internal validity

Question 10

covert observation

Answer 10

• ppts unaware they are being observed
• researcher hidden/cameras/two-way mirror

Question 11

covert observation strength

Answer 11

• less prone to demand characteristics
• ppts unaware they are being watched CONTEXT - HOW?
• less likely to change natural behaviour
• to help/hinder researcher
• increases internal validity

Question 12

covert observation limitation

Answer 12

• lack of informed consent
• ppts unaware they are being watched CONTEXT - HOW?
• did not consent
• invasion of privacy
• may withdraw data if they become aware

Question 13

participant observation

Answer 13

• researcher involved with group CONTEXT
• data collected whilst being part of group CONTEXT

Question 14

participant observation strength

Answer 14

• observer can gain in-depth understanding
• part of group CONTEXT - HOW?
• will not miss important aspects e.g. feelings/motivation CONTEXT
• increases internal validity

Question 15

participant observation limitation

Answer 15

• researcher bias
• ppt part of group CONTEXT - HOW?
• decreases objectivity
• researchers own thoughts/behaviours may impact
• lowers internal validity

Question 16

non-participant observation

Answer 16

• researcher not part of group CONTEXT
• data collected from distance e.g. camera

Question 17

non-participant observation strength

Answer 17

• reduced chance of researcher bias
• researcher not part of group CONTEXT - HOW?
• behaviours/feelings/thoughts will not impact observation
• increases objectivity
• increases internal validity

Question 18

on-participant observation limitation

Answer 18

• less likely to gain in-depth understanding
• not part of group CONTEXT - HOW?
• may miss important aspects e.g. feelings/motivations CONTEXT
• lowers internal validity