Observation

Question 1

What are the types of observations?

Answer 1

Controlled - recording behaviour within structured environment
Naturalistic - recording behaviour in a setting which it would normally occur
Participant - researcher records behaviour within the ppt group
Non-participants - researcher records behaviour outside of ppt group
Covert - ppts behaviour is recorded without their consent
Overt - ppts behaviour is recorded with their consent

Question 2

What are the strengths of these observations?

Answer 2

Controlled - high control over EVs, easier to replicate
Naturalistic - high ecological validity
Participant - increased insight of ppts behaviours
Non-participant - Maintains objective
Covert - reduces demand characteristics
Overt - more ethically acceptable

Question 3

What are the limitations of these observations?

Answer 3

Controlled - low ecological validity
Naturalistic - EVs are not controlled, harder to replicate
Participant - may lose objective
Non-participant - loss of valuable insight
Covert - ethically questionable
Overt - Increases demand characteristics