Observational techniques

Question 1

What are the different types of observational techniques?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Describe a naturalistic observation

Answer 2

Watching and recording behaviour in the setting in which it would normally occur

Question 3

Describe a controlled observation

Answer 3

• Watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment
• They are conducted under laboratory experiments and often involve the researcher setting up a situation for the participants to interact with

Question 4

Describe a covert observation

Answer 4

Participant’s behaviour is watched and recorded without their knowledge or consent

Question 5

Describe an overt observation

Answer 5

Participants’ behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge and consent

Question 6

Describe a participant observation

Answer 6

• The researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour they are watching and recording
• they can record the data openly (overt) or covertly

Question 7

Describe a non-participant observation

Answer 7

• The researcher remains outside of the group whose behaviour they are watching and recording

Question 8

Give 3 negatives of observational techniques

Answer 8

• loss of ecological validity
• recording data accurately
• ethical issues

Question 9

Give a positive of observational techniques

Answer 9

• reliability

Question 10

Why do observational techniques lack ecological validity?

Answer 10

The participants aren’t in their natural environment and therefore their behaviour might be affected

Question 11

Why are observational techniques unethical?

Answer 11

• Covert observations cannot gain informed consent therefore could be regarded as unethical
• In overt observations, consent can be obtained but this could affect the validity of the data as people then know they are being watched and may change their behaviour

Question 12

Why don’t observational techniques record data accurately?

Answer 12

• Whatever type of observation is being conducted the data must be recorded accurately, usually in real time, and this creates problems especially when a lot of people are being observed simultaneously
• often this process is affected by subjective bias where different researchers might see the same behaviour but interpret it differently, affecting the reliability of the data
• accurate recording of data is difficult especially in a participant observation, when you are among the people being watched and cannot easily take notes.