observational studies Flashcards
what is a naturalistic observation?
watching and recording behaviour in the setting within which it would normally occur
what is a controlled observation?
watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment (one where some variables are managed)
what is a covert observation?
participants behaviour is watched and recorded without their knowledge or consent
what is an overt observation?
participants behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge or consent
what is a participant observation?
the researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour they are watching/ recording
what is a non-participant observation?
the researcher remains outside of the group whose behaviour they are watching/ recording
evaluation of a naturalistic observation
+high external validity so the findings can be generalised to everyday life
-lack of control over the research situation makes replication of the research difficult
-there may be uncontrolled extraneous variables affecting the outcomes of the research
evaluation of a controlled observation
+extraneous variables may be less of a factor so replication of the observation becomes easier
-may produce findings that cannot be applied to real-life
evaluation of a covert observation
+participants do not know they are being watched removes the problems of participant reactivity, the behaviour being observed will be natural
+increased validity
-ethics will be questioned as they may not have gotten informed consent
evaluation of overt observations
+more ethically acceptable
-the knowledge that they are being observed may act as a significant influence on their behaviour
evaluation of a participant observation
+increased insight into the lives of the people being studied
+increased validity
-the researcher may loose objectivity, when the line between a researcher and a participant becomes blurred
evaluation of a non participant experiment
+allows the researcher to maintain an objective psychological stance
-loses valuable insight into the lives of the participants and the behaviour they are studying
