Observational Techniques Flashcards
What are covert observations?
Observing people without their knowledge, e.g. one-way mirror
AKA ‘undisclosed’ observation
What are overt observations?
Participants aware they’re being observed, e.g. filming publicly
What are participant observations?
Person conducting experiments takes part in it
What are non-participant observations?
Person conducting observation doesn’t partake in activities being observed
E.g. teacher evaluators sit in corner of room
What are naturalistic observations?
Observation carried out in unaltered setting where observer doesn’t interfere, just observes behaviour as it happens normally
E.g. observations in supermarkets
What are controlled observations?
Observation conducted under strict conditions, like observation room or lab where EV can be controlled to avoid interference with behaviour being observed
What are structured observations?
Researcher uses coded schedules according to previously agreed formula to document & organise into behavioural categories - which specific behaviours should be examined
What are unstructured observations?
Every instance of observed behaviour recorded & described in as much detail as possible
This is useful if behaviour researchers interested in doesn’t occur very often & more usual in naturalistic observation
Evaluate covert observations
Strength - investigator effects less likely - since investigator hidden less chance their behaviour will have impact on performance of participants, thus, less chance of demand characteristics
Limitation - ethical issues - participants don’t know they’re in investigation, so can’t give fully informed consent nor exercise right to withdraw
Evaluate overt observations
Strength - More ethical than covert - participants aware they’re being observed, thus, can give consent & exercise right to withdraw
Limitation - possibility of investigator effects - investigator could influence behaviour of participants in non-intended way, thus, demand characteristics could come in, in which participants act in accordance with their perception of research aims
Evaluate participant observations
Strength - can obtain in-depth data - unique insight gained as observer close to participants, also unlikely overlook/miss behaviour
Limitation - possibility of investigator effects - presence of researcher in group may cause demand characteristics, thus, natural behaviour not being observed
Evaluate non-participants observations
Strength - Investigator effects less likely - researcher often not visible at all, behaviour observed more natural & representative of everyday life
Limitation - lack of proximity - due to this researcher may miss behaviours of interest, unique insights to aid understanding of human behaviour overlooked
Evaluate naturalistic observations
Strength - high level of ecological validity - researcher records naturally occurring behaviour in original environment, thus, behaviour recorded representative of everyday life & spontaneous events that occur in life
Limitation - lack of reliability - impossible to replicate conditions for further research to add reliability
Evaluate controlled observations
Strength - can be replicated for reliability - high control over EV can be replicated
Limitation - low external validity - as researcher records behaviour in artificial environment it feels unnatural, thus, possibly changing participants’ behaviour, thus, not representative of everyday life
Evaluate structured observations
Strength - researcher can compare behaviour between participants & groups - use of operationalised behavioural categories makes coding of data more systematic
Limitation - lack of internal validity - researcher may miss some crucial behaviours during observation which is pertinent to aim of investigation, thus results may lack finer details
