Observational techniques

Question 1

What are observational techniques

Answer 1

Observational techniques are a non experimental technique, where a researcher observes behaviour naturally

Question 2

How many types of observational techniques are there? What are the four types of observational techniques?

Answer 2

There are four types observational techniques, which are: Covert, Overt, Participant and Non - participant techniques

Question 3

What is involved in covert observations? What does this allow for the researcher?

Answer 3

Participants are observed without their knowledge. Participants may be present physically but participants won’t be aware they are being observed. Allows the researcher to observe natural behaviour

Question 4

What is a strength of the covert observational techniques?

Answer 4

The use of the covert observation techniques provides high levels of validity as participants are unaware they are being observed, meaning any demand characteristics are ruled out. The observer effect is dismissed.

Question 5

What is a limitation of covert observational techniques?

Answer 5

Covert observational techniques go against the British psychological society as it is unethical technique. Since the researcher does not have the participants’ informed consent to observe them, there are ethical problems

Question 6

What is involved with overt observations?

Answer 6

Participants know they are being observed and see the research observing them. Participants are aware their behaviour is being observed and recorded for an observational study

Question 7

What is a limitation of overt observational techniques? (demand characteristics)

Answer 7

Overt observational techniques have the possibility of demand characteristics, known as the observer effect. This is more likely as participants know they are being observed. The observer effect impacts the internal validity of the results

Question 8

What is a limitation of overt observational techniques? (social desirability)

Answer 8

Overt observational techniques may make participants try to present themselves as something they may not be. Participants may try and present their “best selves” to the researcher, this is referred to as social desirability

Question 9

What is a strength of overt observational techniques? (BPS)

Answer 9

Overt observational techniques are an ethical in practice. They align with the British Psychological Society, as participants are aware they are being observed. Therefore, there is no deception

Question 10

What is involved with participant observational techniques?

Answer 10

In participant observational techniques, the researcher joins the groups being observed, becoming involved with them. The group being observed may not realise the observer is not really “one of them”

Question 11

What is a limitation of participant observational techniques? (bias)

Answer 11

Participant observational techniques can make the research become too involved with the participants making their interpretation of the behaviour biased as they only see it from the participant’s point of view. This in turn affects the internal validity of the observation

Question 12

What is a limitation of participant observational techniques? (deception)

Answer 12

Participant observational techniques do not align with the British Psychological Society as there is an element of deception as participants do not know the true identity of the observer within the group. This means the “right to withdraw” is unavailable for participants as they do not know they’re being observed

Question 13

What is a strength of participant observational techniques?

Answer 13

Participant observational techniques allow the observer to build a rapport with the participants. This makes them more inclined to have open conversations and act naturally

Question 14

What is involved in non - participant observations?

Answer 14

In non - participant observations the researcher remains separate from participants. The researcher observes and records the participants’ behaviour without partaking in activities or conversations.

Question 15

What is a limitation of non - participant observational techniques?

Answer 15

Non - participant observational techniques prevent the researcher from building a rapport with the participants. This makes it less likely that they’ll open up completely or enough to show full natural behaviour. This affects the internal validity of the study

Question 16

What is a limitation of non participant observational techniques?

Answer 16

Non participant observational techniques prevent the researcher from building a rapport with participants. This makes it less likely for participants to open up completely or enough to show natural behaviour. In turn, affecting the internal validity of the observation.

Question 17

What is a limitation of non participant observational techniques?

Answer 17

Non participant observational techniques prevent the researcher from building a rapport with participants. This makes it less likely for participants to open up completely or enough to show natural behaviour. In turn, affecting the internal validity of the observation.

Question 18

What is a strength of non participant observational techniques?

Answer 18

Non participant observational techniques make the researcher more likely to stay objective whilst observing and recording the participants’ behaviour.