observation techniques

Question 1

what is naturalistic observation

Answer 1

takes place where target behaviour normally occurs

Question 2

strengths of naturalistic observation

Answer 2

gives realistic picture of natural, spontaneous behaviour

high ecological validity

Question 3

limitations of naturalistic observation

Answer 3

little control of outside variables

Question 4

what is a controlled observation

Answer 4

watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment

Question 5

strengths of controlled observation

Answer 5

can focus on particular aspects of behaviour

Question 6

limitations of controlled observation

Answer 6

unnatural environment may influence pps behaviour

Question 7

what are overt observations

Answer 7

pps know they are being studied

Question 8

strengths of overt observations

Answer 8

its ethically acceptable

Question 9

limitations of overt observations

Answer 9

because pps know they are being studied may influence behaviour

Question 10

what is covert observation

Answer 10

where participants are unaware they are focus of a study and their behaviour is recorded secretly

Question 11

strengths of covert observation

Answer 11

ensures behaviour will be natural increasing validity

Question 12

limitations of covert observation

Answer 12

ethics may be questioned

Question 13

what are participant observation

Answer 13

sometimes the researcher becomes part of the study by joining the group

Question 14

strengths of participant observation

Answer 14

researcher can experience the situation as the pps do

Question 15

limitations of participant observations

Answer 15

researcher may come o identify to strongly with those being studied

Question 16

what are non participant observation

Answer 16

researcher remains separate from study may be because its impractical to join study

Question 17

strengths of non participant observation

Answer 17

allows researcher to maintain objective distance from pps

Question 18

limitations of non participant observation

Answer 18

may not get as much valuable insight as participant observation

Question 19

strengths of unstructured observations

Answer 19

all relevant behaviour is recorded as researchers writes everything down

Question 20

limitations of unstructured observation

Answer 20

behaviours recorded will often be those visible to researcher but may not be relevant

Question 21

strengths of structured observation

Answer 21

researcher uses various systems to organise observations allowing researcher to quantify observations using a pre determined list of behaviours

Question 22

what are behavioural categories

Answer 22

to produce a structured record of what observer sees/hears they make a checklist of behaviours to look out for

Question 23

what Is event sampling

Answer 23

involves counting no. times a particular behaviour occurs

Question 24

what is time sampling

Answer 24

involves recording behaviour within pre established time period