Observational techniques Flashcards
Observational techniques
Naturalistic/ Controlled
Overt / Covert
Participant / Non-participant
Naturalistic
An observation carried out in an everyday setting, in which the investigator does not interfere in any way but merely observes the behaviours) in question.
Naturalistic str
High ecological validity as the researcher records naturally occurring behaviour in a natural environment, without any outside interference from the researcher
Naturalistic lim
Cannot be replicated to check reliability, as the researcher is not in control of variables.
Controlled
A form of investigation in which behaviour is observed but under conditions where certain variables have been organised by the researcher.
eg lab setting
Controlled str
Low ecological validity as the researcher records behaviours in an artificial (manipulated) environment, with potential outside interference from the researcher.
controlled lim
Can be replicated to check reliability, as the researcher is in control of variables and therefore can repeat the method as they wish
Covert
Observing people without their knowledge. Knowing that behaviour is being observed is likely to alter a participant’s behaviour
Covert str
Investigator effects are unlikely meaning that participants’ behaviour will be genuine
covert lim
Less ethical as participants are not aware they are taking part and cannot give fully informed consent
Overt
Observational studies where participants are aware that their behaviour is being studied
Overt str
It is possible to inform participants in advance and obtain informed consent
Overt lim
Behaviour can be distorted through investigator effects in which the participant changes their behaviour through social desirability bias
Participant observation
Observations made by someone who is also participating in the activity being observed, which may affect their objectivity.
Participant str
The researcher can obtain in-depth data as they are in close proximity to the participants and so are unlikely to overlook or miss any behaviours.
Participant lim
The researchers’ presence might influence the participants’ behaviour due to evaluation apprehension,
Non-participant variables
The observer is separate from the people being observed.
Non participant str
Investigator effects and evaluation apprehension are less likely as the researcher is not visible.
non participant lim
Due to a lack of proximity the researcher might overlook or miss behaviours of interest.
