Observational techniques Flashcards
What is a naturalistic observation?
Watching and recording behaviour in the setting within which it would normally occur.
What is a controlled observation?
Watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment where some variables are managed.
Give an example of a controlled observation.
Mary Ainsworths Strange situation
What is a covert observation?
When participants behaviour is watched and recorded without their knowledge or consent.
What is an overt observation?
Participants behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge and consent.
How do we make sure covert observations are ethical?
Such behaviour should be happening anyway.
How do we make sure overt observations are ethical?
Get informed consent beforehand.
What is a participant observation?
The researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour he/she is watching and recording.
What is a non-participant observation?
The researcher remains outside of the group whose behaviour he/she is watching and recording.
Strength of observations in general.
Capture what people actually do which may be unexpected behaviour as they do not act the same as they say they would.
Limitations of observations in general.
Observer bias may occur. The observer’s interpretation of a situation may be affected by their expectations.
Observational studies cannot demonstrate causal relationships.
Strength of naturalistic observations.
High external validity as findings can be generalised to every day life because behaviour is studied in the environment where it would normally occur.
Limitation of naturalistic observations.
Lack of control over the research situation so replication is difficult.
Influence of extraneous/confounding variables make it difficult to judge patterns in behaviour.
Strength of controlled observations.
Confounding/extraneous variables may be less of a factor so replication is easier.
Limitation of controlled observations.
May produce findings that cannot be as readily applied to everyday life.
