observational techniques

Question 1

naturalistic observation

Answer 1

watching and recording behaviour in the setting within which it would normally occur

• all aspects of the environment are free to vary

Question 2

controlled observation

Answer 2

watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment ie one where some variables are managed

eg Strange Situation - recorded data remotely via a two-way mirror
- some control over variables including manipulating variables to observe effects
- control of confounding/extraneous variables

Question 3

covert observation

Answer 3

participants’ behaviour is watched and recorded without their knowledge or consent

Question 4

overt observation

Answer 4

participants’ behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge or consent

Question 5

participant observation

Answer 5

the researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour theyre watching and recording

Question 6

non-participant observation

Answer 6

the researcher remains outside of the group whose behaviour theyre watching and recording

Question 7

all observations eval

Answer 7

• benefit of capturing what people actually do, which may be unexpected behaviour - special insight into behaviour
• observer bias - the observer’s interpretation of a situation may be affected by their expectations - reduced by using more than one observer
• cannot demonstrate causal relationships - but can aid in detecting

Question 8

naturalistic observation eval

Answer 8

• high external validity as findings can often be generalised to everyday life
• lack of control makes replication difficult
• can be many uncontrolled confounding/extraneous variables

Question 9

controlled observation eval

Answer 9

• findings cannot be readily applied to everyday life
• confounding/extraneous variables less of a factor so replication easier

Question 10

covert observation eval

Answer 10

• as participants do not know they are being watched it removes the problem of demand characteristics
• all behaviour observed natural
• increases internal validity of data gathered
• ethics of studies questioned

Question 11

overt observation eval

Answer 11

• more ethically acceptable than covert
• knowledge of being observed can influence behaviour

Question 12

participant observation eval

Answer 12

• researcher can experience the situation - increased insight into life - increases external findings
• researcher may come to identify too strongly and lose objectivity
• adopting a local lifestyle - when the line between being a researcher and being a participant becomes blurred

Question 13

non participant observation eval

Answer 13

• allow the research to maintain an objective psychological distance from their participants so less of a danger of adopting a local lifestyle (going native)
• they may lose valuable insight to be gained in a participant observation as far removed

Question 14

what is an observation

Answer 14

a way of seeing what people do

Question 15

controlled vs naturalistic observation

Answer 15

some aspects of environment controlled or all variables free to vary