Observational Techniques Flashcards
What is Observation?
Provide psychologists to see what ppl do w/o having to ask
=>to study observable behaviour => allows flexibility to study more complex interactions of variables
Naturalistic Observations
=> watching + recording Behaviour and setting where it normally occurs
Controlled observation
Watching recording behaviour within a structured environment play a song variables are managed e.g Strange Situation (Ainsworth)
- often uses 2 way mirror
- control of confounding/extenuating variables
Covert Observation
Pp is unaware they are being watched or recorded
no knowledge or consent
Overt observation
Participants behaviour as watched or recorded with their knowledge and given informed consent beforehand
Participant Observation
Researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour they are watching + recording
=> gain a first hand account
Non-participant observation
Researcher remains separate from those being observed/watching/recording
AO3 of all observation (S)
Captures what people actually do which may be unexpected
to give special insight into behaviour
AO3 of all observation (L)
Observer bias interpretation of situation may affect the expectations => may be reduced with more than one observer
doesn’t show causal relationships but can help in detecting them
Naturalistic Observation (s)
Behaviour is studied with environment it occurs
=> High external validity as findings can be generalised to everyday life
Naturalistic observation (S)
Lack of control makes replication difficult
Uncontrollable confounding/ extraneous variable make it hard to judge patterns of behaviour
Controlled Observation (s)
Confounding variables may be less of a factor so replication of observation becomes easier
Covert Observation (S)
Pps are unaware so no demand characteristics ensuring any behaviour observed is natural
=> increases validity of the data gathered
Covert Observation (L)
Ethics questioned as peoples privacy is violated
Overt observation (S)
Are more ethically acceptable
