Observational techniques Flashcards
Describe observation.
It’s a non-experimental method.
Provides psychologists with a way of seeing what people do without having to ask them.
Allow researchers to study observable behaviour within a natural or controlled setting.
Allows a researcher the flexibility to study more complex interactions between variables.
What are the types of observational techniques?
Naturalistic and controlled observation.
Covert and overt observation.
Describe a naturalistic observation.
Takes place within a natural, non-manipulated environment, for example in a workplace or school.
Define the term controlled observations
Are more manipulated compared to naturalistic observations, for example the Strange Situation, so that variables are more controlled and effects of particular situations can be seen.
What are the strengths of observations as a whole?
Captures what people actually do, which may be unexpected behaviour - give special insight into behaviour.
What are the limitations of observations as a whole?
Observer bias - observer’s interpretation of a situation may be affected by their expectations - reduced by using more than one observer.
Can’t demonstrate causal relationships.
What are the strengths of natural observations?
Have high external validity - findings can be generalised to everyday life - behaviour studied within environment.
What are the strengths of controlled observations?
Confounding/ extraneous may be less of a factor so replication of the observation becomes easier.
What are the limitations of controlled observations?
May produce findings that can’t be applied to real life.
Describe a covert observation.
Takes place without the participants being aware that they are being watched.
What are the strengths of covert observations?
Participants not knowing they’re being watched removes the problem of demand characteristics and ensures any behaviour observed will be natural - increasing internal validity.
What are the limitations of covert observations?
Ethics may be questioned as people, even in public, may not wish to have their behaviours noted down (right to privacy).
Describe a overt observation.
Are when the participant does know they are being watched, and have given their informed consent beforehand.
What are the strengths of overt observations?
More ethically acceptable.
What are the limitations of overt observations?
The knowledge participants have that they are being observed may act as a significant influence on their behaviour.
