observational design Flashcards
What are observations ?
- watching and recording other peoples behaviours
- allows the study of behaviours which would be unethical to manipulate
What is participant observation ?
The observer acts as part of the group being watched
What are the advantages and disadvantages to participant observation ?
Advantages:
- close proximity
- wont miss details
Disadvantages:
- influencing participant behaviour
What is a non-participant observation ?
When the observer is not part of the group being observedW
What are the advantages and disadvantages of non-participant observations ?
Advantages:
- less likely to be influenced
Disadvantages:
- can miss details due to a far proximity
What are naturalistic observations ?
Observations can take place in a natural situation
What are the advantages and disadvantages of naturalistic observations ?
Advantages:
- high relevance to real-life
Disadvantages:
- lack of control
- cant be replicated
What is a controlled observation ?
The takes place where variables are controlled by experimenters and they determine the behaviour being observed
What are the advantages and disadvantages of controlled observations ?
Advantages:
-high control over variables
Disadvantages:
- low validity in real life (ecological)
What is an overt observation ?
An open observation that means participants know they are being observed
What are the advantages and disadvantages of overt observations ?
Advantages:
- ethical observation
Disadvantages:
- demand characteristics
What is a covert observation ?
The observation is kept secret from the participants
What are the advantages and disadvantages of covert observation ?
Advantages:
- behaviour is genuine
Disadvantages:
- unethical + deceptive
What is an unstructured observation ?
- writes down everything as it is seen
- produces behaviour rich data
What is a structured interview observation ?
- targets certain behaviours as the focus
- researchers can quantify observations
