Observational Techniques Flashcards
What is an observation?
A research technique that involves observing a behaviour covertly or overtly, or as a participant in the activity.
What are the 4 types of observation?
Naturalistic, controlled, participant, non-participant.
What is a naturalistic observation?
Unobtrusive study conducted in a natural setting.
What is a controlled observation?
Observations where by the researcher exercises control over some aspects of the environment in which the observation is conducted.
What is a participant observation?
Observations in a natural situation where the observer interacts directly with the participants.
What is a non-participant observation?
Involves observing participants without actively participating.
What are overt observations? Give an example.
Where participants are aware they are being observed.
For example, Zimbardo’s (1971) prison simulation study.
What are covert observations? Give an example.
Where participants remain unaware of being observed.
For example, Festinger’s (1957) study where he infiltrated a cult who were prophesying the end of the world to observe what happened when it didn’t.
State 2 advantages of a natural observation.
High external validity:
Since observations usually occur in natural settings, participants behave naturally and so results can be generalised to other settings (though not in overt or controlled observations, as participants are aware of being observed).
Practical method:
Can be used in situations where deliberate manipulation of variables would be unethical or impractical, e.g. studying football hooliganism.
It is useful where co-operation from those being observed is unlikely and where the full social context for behaviour is needed.
It is particularly useful when studying animals or children.
Few demand characteristics:
With covert observations participants are unaware of being observed and so there are no demand characteristics.
State 2 weaknesses of a natural observation.
Cause and effect:
Causality cannot be inferred, since the variables are only observed, not manipulated, and there is little control of extraneous variables.
Observer bias:
Observers may see what they want to see, though this can be reduced by establishing inter-observer reliability).
Replication:
The lack of control over variables means conditions can never be repeated exactly to check the results.
Ethics:
If participants are unaware of being observed, issues of invasion of privacy and informed consent arise (though if participants are informed of the study, then there is a possibility of demand characteristics).
Practical problems:
It can be difficult to remain unobserved and there can be problems recording behaviour, for example seeing all behaviours exhibited.
It can also be difficult to categorise observed behaviours accurately.
State 2 strengths of a controlled observation.
More control, so easier to replicate.
Easier to use video cameras than in a naturalistic setting.
Usually avoids ethical issues.
State 2 weaknesses of a controlled observation.
Lower ecological validity.
May cause other ethical issues, (e.g. discomfort, deception, invasion of privacy).
Investigator effects.
Demand characteristics.
