Observational Techniques Flashcards
What are the 8 types of Observations?
1) Naturalistic observations
2) Controlled observations
3) Covert observations
4) Overt observations
5) Particpant observations
6) Non-participant obsrvations
7) Structured Observations
8) Unstructured Observations
Describe and Evaluate Naturalistic Observations
Takes place in a *natural setting/environment where behaviour would normally occur *
Researcher has *no control over variables *
+ High External Validity (can be generalised to everyday life)
- Low internal Validity (lack of control)
- Difficult to control
Describe and Evaluate **Controlled Observations **
Observing behaviour in a structured environment where some variables are manipulated e.g. labs
+ High internal validity (control extraneous variables)
+Easy to replicate (high in reliabilty)
-Low external validity (findings dont represent everyday life)
Describe and Evaluate **Covert observations **
Ppts are unaware they are being observed A.k.a undisclosed observation
+ Natural behaviour is observed so validity is increases
+ Low demand characteristics & social desirability bias
- Unethical as people havent given consent
Describe and Evaluate Overt Observations
Ppts are aware of observation and have given consent before hand (Disclosed observation)
+ Ethical as ppts have given their full consent
- Behaviour may be affected as ppts e.g. demand characteristics
Describe and Evaluate Participant observations
The observer becomes part of the group they are observing (can take years)
+ Increases external validity as researcher gains insight and experience
- May lose objectivity due to researcher going native (researcher becomes too attached and the line between researcher and observer becomes blurred)
Decsribe and Evaluate **Non-Participant Observations **
*Researcher remains seperate from ppts *and records behaviour in a more objective way
+ More objectivity which increases internal validity
- Researchers gain less insight reducing validity
Describe and Evaluate Structured Observations
Researcher quantifies their behaviour using predetermined list of behaviours * e.g behaviour checklist
(not everything is observed but the things in the list)
+ Its numerical so its easy to analyse and record
- Difficulties in ensuring all categories on checklist are clear and unambiguous
Describe and Evaluate Unstructured Observations
No structure to observation, researcher writes down everything they see (continuous recording)
+ Rich and detailed data
- Qualitative data that is difficult to record and analyse
- Observer bias
What is observer bias?
Observers may see what they want to see
* This is more likely in naturalistic and overt observations
* Also likely in unstructed observations (researcher may feel overwhelmed and pick what they want to see)
How can observer bias be reduced?
- Inter-observer reliability- using 2 or more observers to observe same situation and then compare notes to check for reliablity
(High inter-observer reliabilty if theres an agreement of 80%)
