Observational Techniques Flashcards
what is a naturalistic observation?
behaviour is observed in a natural situation such as the context in which it naturally occurs, and there is no p=manipulation of variables so no attempt to influence behaviour
3 strengths of a naturalistic observation
- can be used in situations where intervention would be inappropriate or unethical
- can be used with animals, esp. those that would not adapt well to a lab
- high external validity as studied in a natural context
2 weaknesses of a naturalistic observation
- replication is difficult because of lack of control over research situation
- there may be uncontrolled EVs or CVs that make it difficult to judge any pattern of behaviouir
what is a controlled observation?
reseracher has some control over parts of the situation, such as manipulation of variables to see cause and effect and control o EVs
strength of controlled observations
CVs or EVs may be ess of an issue so replication easier and may be easier to determine patterns of behaviour
weakness of controlled observations
findings may be less easily applied to everyday life, depending on what variables are being anipulated
what is a covert observation
participants are unaware they are being observed and behaviour is public and occuring anyway
strength of cvert observations
removes Dcs and ensures behaviour is natural so increases internal validity
weakness of covert observations
ethics questioned as participats cannot give informed consent and may not want their behaviours noted (right to privacy)
what is an overt observation?
Ps aware of observation and have consented
strength of overt observations
ethically acceptable as informed consent given
weakness of overt observations
knowledge of observaion may result in DCs or social desiability biaws so low internal validity
what is a participant observation?
observer becones part of the group being studied
strength of participant observation
first-hand insight into Ps behaviour so may increase external validity
weakness of participnt observation
may identify with Ps too strongly and lose objectivity (researcher bias)
what is a non-participant observation?
researcher remains separate and records data objectively
when might a non-participant observation be necessary?
may be impractical or impossible to participate such as if wrong gender
2 strengths of non-participant observations
- reserach can maintain objective psychological distance
- less danger of local lifestye
weakness of non-participant observations
may lose valuable insight as too far removed from Ps
2 strengths of observations
- gather data about what people actually do, which may be unexpected
- if natural, can check whethr experimental findings apply outside a lab
observer bias
observer’s interpretations of a situation may be affected by their expectations
how can observer bias be reduced
using multiple observer for inter rater reliability
what is an ethical weakness of observtions>
confifdentiality and privacy must be amintained
what type of relationship cannot be determined using observational techniques?
causal
what can observational techniques be used for alongside experiments
can be used to aid in detecting causal relationships
what is difficult to do when the oserved behaviour is complicated?
data categorisation
