Observational Methods Flashcards
Naturalistic Observation
Takes place in the environment the behaviour would normally occur
Researcher does not interfere
Naturalistic Observation (strengths)
High external validity
Can be more generalised to real life situations
Naturalistic Observation (weaknesses)
Difficult to replicate
May have a high level of extraneous variables
Controlled Observation
Researcher has some control over the variables may reduce the naturalness of the environment
Participants are likely to be aware they are being studied
Controlled Observation (strengths)
Specific aspects of behaviour can be focused on
Likely to be less extraneous variables
Controlled Observation (weaknesses)
Low external validity
Behaviour may be less natural
Covert Observation
Participants will have no knowledge they are being observed
Are likely to be informed afterwards to ensure ethics
Covert Observation (strengths)
Behaviour is more natural and removes the issue of demand characteristics
High internal validity
Covert Observation (weaknesses)
Ethical issues of consent and privacy
Overt Observation
Participants are aware they are being observed and have given informed consent
Overt Observation (strengths)
More ethically acceptable
Overt Observation (weaknesses)
Demand characteristics
Participant Observation
An observer becomes part of the group they are observing
Could be either covert or overt
Participant Observation (strengths)
Helps provide more insight into behaviour
Participant Observation (weaknesses)
Research and may start to identify with a group of participants and could lose objectivity ‘going native’