Observational Studies

Question 1

What are the different types of observations carried out?

Answer 1

• Naturalistic observation
• Controlled observation
• Overt observation
• Covert observation
• Participant observations
• Non-participant observation

Question 2

What is naturalistic observation?

Answer 2

• Takes place where the spotaneous behaviour would usually occur

Question 3

Advantages of naturalisitc observation

Answer 3

• Advantage: High external validity , natural context likely behaviour is more spontaneous. More generalisable to everday life

Question 4

Disadvantage of naturalistic observation

Answer 4

Disadvantage: Low control as uncontrolled EVs so more difficult to detect patterns

Question 5

What is controlled observation?

Answer 5

Some control/manipulation of variables including control of EVs

e.g Ainsworth Strange Siutation

Question 6

Advantages of controlled observation

Answer 6

• Advantage ; Can be easily replicated - more easily to repeat standardised procedures as findings can be checked to see if they occur again

Question 7

Disadvantage of controlled observation

Answer 7

Disadvantage: May have low external validity as behaviour contrived as a result of setting so findings cannot be applied to everyday experiences

Question 8

What is overt obsercation?

Answer 8

Particpants know that they are being obserbed

Question 9

Advantages of overt observation

Answer 9

• Advantages: More ethically acceptable as given consent to be studied. Wish the right to withdraw if they wish
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Question 10

Disadvantage of overt observation

Answer 10

Disadvantage: Demand of characteristics as knowledge of being studied will influence their behaviour so reduces validity of findings

Question 11

What is covert observation?

Answer 11

Partipants are unware they are being studied

Question 12

Advantages of covert observations

Answer 12

• Advantage: Demand of characteristic are reduce as particpants do not know they are being watched so behaviour is more natural , increases validity of findings
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Question 13

Disadvantage of covert observation

Answer 13

Disadvantages: Ethically questionable: People may not want their behaviour recorded even in public, privacy affect

Question 14

What is a particpant observation?

Answer 14

When researcher becomes part of group they are studying

Studying deeper insight into the groups’ lives

Question 15

Advantages of particpant observation

Answer 15

• Advantage: Can lead to greater insight as the researcher experiences the situation the participant does so enhances the validity of findings
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Question 16

Disadvantage of participant obsservation

Answer 16

Disadvantage: Loss of objectivity as researcher identify too strongly with those who are studying so threatens objectivity and validity of findings

Question 17

What is non-particpant observation?

Answer 17

When researcher remains separate from the group they are studying

Question 18

What is the advantages if non-participant observation?

Answer 18

• Advantage: More objective - Researcher maintains an objective distance so less chance of bias. Increase the validity of findings
• Disadvantage: Loss of insight so researcher may be too far removed from those they are studying as reduce validity of findings

Question 19

Disadvantages of non-participant observation

Answer 19

Disadvantage: Loss of insight so researcher may be too far removed from those they are studying as reduce validity of findings

Question 20

What is behavioural catergory?

Answer 20

Target behaviour to be observed should be broken down into a set of observable cateogries

Similar to idea of opertionalisation

Question 21

Designing an observation:

Answer 21

• Observation structured or unstructured?
  
  • Structured - easier to record , cause and effect
  • Unstructured - increased ecological validity - application to wider contextx
• Ethical issues
  
  • Invasion of privacy

Question 22

What behavioural catergories for Ainsworth?

Answer 22

• Proximity setting
• Insecure resistant - Contact with mother
• Insecure avoidant - walking away
• Secure attachment
  
  • looking over at mother
  • Crying tears
  • Distress

Question 23

What are behavioural catergories?

Answer 23

Behaviour defined before a study takes place

Allows the researcher to focus their investigation on a specific behaviour in order to gain the mosr valid and reliable data