Observational techniques

Question 1

naturalistic and controlled observations

Answer 1

naturalistic: in a setting or context where target behaviour would usually occur
controlled: some control over variables, including manipulating them to observe the effects

Question 2

pros and cons of naturalistic observations

Answer 2

pros: high external validity
cons: hard to replicate

Question 3

pros and cons of controlled observations

Answer 3

pros: easier replication
cons: lower external validity (difficult to apply to real life)

Question 4

cover and overt observations

Answer 4

covert: participants are unaware of being observed
overt: participants aware of being observed and give informed consent

Question 5

pros and cons of covert observations

Answer 5

pros: participants behave naturallly
cons: unethical

Question 6

participant and non-participant observations

Answer 6

participant: observer becomes part of the group being observed
non-participant: the observer remains separate

Question 7

pros and cons of participant observations

Answer 7

pros: increases validity
cons: the observe can lose objectivity and the actual aim of the aim