Observational techniques

Question 1

what is observational research?

Answer 1

scientists conduct a clinical or case study where they focus on one person or just a few inidviduals

Question 2

what is a controlled observation?

Answer 2

where a behaviour is observed but under conditions where certain variables have been organised by the researcher

Question 3

what are naturalistic observations?

Answer 3

an observation carried out in an everyday setting in which the investigator does not interfere in any way but merely observes the behaviour in question.

Question 4

what is an overt observation?

Answer 4

observational studies where the participant is aware they are being studied

Question 5

what is a covert observation?

Answer 5

observing people without their knowledge (alter’s behaviour)

Question 6

what is participant observation?

Answer 6

observations made by someone who is also participating in the activity being observed

Question 7

what is non participant observation?

Answer 7

the observer is separate from the people being observed

Question 8

what is inter-observer reliability?

Answer 8

the extent to which there is agreement between two or more observers involved in observations of a behaviour

Question 9

what is observer bias?

Answer 9

observer’s expectations affect what they hear or see
reduces validity of observations