Observational Technique

Question 1

explain and evaluate naturalistic observations?

Answer 1

+takes place in setting where target behaviour would usually occur
+high external validity so finding can be generalised to everyday life as
-lack of control over research, so replication and standardisation will be difficult
-uncontrolled extraneous variables

Question 2

explain and evaluate controlled observations?

Answer 2

used in the strange situation
+some control over variables
+can manipulate variables to control effects
+extraneous variables less of a factor= easier replication
-findings cant accurately be applied to everyday life due to controlled conditions

Question 3

explain and evaluate covert observations?

Answer 3

-pp’s do not know they’re being watched=
+ensures observed behaviour is natural, increases validity
-behaviour must be analysed in public to remove ethical issues
-however issue as people may not want to be watched

Question 4

explain and evaluate overt observation?

Answer 4

-pp’s know their behaviour is being observed and have given informed consent
+ethically acceptable
-but pp’s may influence their behaviour= DC

Question 5

explain and evaluate non participant observations?

Answer 5

• researcher remains separate from those they are studying
• records behaviour objectively
• however may lose valuable insight they would’ve got from participant observation

Question 6

explain and evaluate participant observations?

Answer 6

-observer becomes part of the group they are studying
+increased insight into lives of people they are studying,
-however,researcher may begin to identify with values of the group+ loses objectivity ‘going native’