observational techniques Flashcards
What are observations?
A way of seeing or listening to what people do without having to ask them
Why observations usually used?
A way of assessing the the DV
What are observational methods?
Scientific
Focusing on particular categories of behaviours or events
Objective system
Why do psychologists uses observations?
- To study particular behaviours
- Study natural behaviours, where it would be unethical
What do observational studies reveal about different aspects of behaviours?
- What people say and do are very different
- Capture spontaneous, unexpected behaviour
What do observations not provide information about?
How they think/feel
What are different types of observations?
Naturalistic
Controlled
Covert
Overt
Participant
Non-participant
What is a naturalistic observation?
Takes place where the target behaviour would normally occur
Strengths of a naturalistic observation:
-High external validity = generalisation = high ecological validity
Limitations of a naturalistic observation:
-Low control = uncontrolled extraneous variable = more difficult to detect patterns
What is a controlled observation?
Some control/manipulation of variables including control of extraneous variables
Strengths of controlled observations:
Replicated = high internal validity = standardised procedures
Limitations of controlled observations:
Low external validity = low ecological validity
What is a covert observation?
Participants are unaware they are being studied
Strengths of covert observation:
-Reduced demand characteristics = increase validity
