Observation Flashcards
What is Naturalistic observation?
Observation carried out in the field in a natural setting
What are disadvantages of natural observation?
Lack of control means there could be more influence on behaviour which may not be natural.
What is Controlled observation?
Controls all possible factors which may alter behaviour or confound behaviour caused by IV.
What is a disadvantage of controlled observations?
-Means situation is somewhat artificial, behaviour not as valid
What is Participant observation?
Where the observers are part of, or pretending to be part of a group they are observing
What is an advantage of participant observation?
-You have a good vantage point and understanding of who and what you are observing,
-being an insider can get more information and detailed experiences.
What is a disadvantage of participant observation?
Your presence may disrupt course of events you are observing
What is Non-participant observation?
Where the observer is not a member of the group being studied.
What is an advantage of non-participant observation?
You may remain more objective about what is being observed
What is a disadvantage of non-participant observation?
May not have same level of insight if you were to be an insider etc
What is Unstructured observation?
Researcher/Observer continuously records or reports everything that happens. This increases amount of data collected
What is a disadvantage of unstructured observation?
-May be too much going on to record that observation isn’t success
-data may be too detailed and dense, difficult to summarise and make comparisons between participants etc
What is structured observation?
Where a structure is placed on observation to meet their aim (Look for certain behaviours). This increases usefulness and objectivity of study
What is an advantage of structured observation?
Allows comparisons between different participants to be made across observation trends.
What is a disadvantage of structured observation?
At risk of missing something important, could lead to skewed behaviour
What is covert observation?
Where the participant does not know they are being observed.
What is an advantage of Covert observation?
Natural behaviour can be seen
-Sampling real behaviour, not tainted by subject reactivity.
What is a disadvantage of Covert observation?
-Unethical, people may not give fully natural response however if they knew they were being watched.
What is overt observation?
Where the participant does know they are being observed.
