Observational Techniques

Question 1

Controlled observations

Answer 1

When researchers select and observed participants in a controlled environment and with a standardised procedure

Question 2

Strength of controlled observation

Answer 2

Researcher has control over extraneous variables=easier to judge any pattern of behaviour

Question 3

Weakness of controlled observation

Answer 3

Lacks ecological validity=highly controlled=artificial environment=lacks generalisability

Question 4

Naturalistic observation

Answer 4

Where researchers observed and record behaviour in the setting it would typically occur in

Question 5

Strength of naturalistic observation

Answer 5

High ecological validity=as the behaviour is studied within the environment where it would normal occur=parts are > to show true behaviour

Question 6

Limitation of naturalistic observation

Answer 6

Less control over extraneous variables=replication of the observation is more difficult

Question 7

Covert observations

Answer 7

Participants behaviour is watched and recorded without their knowledge or consent

Question 8

Strength of covert observation

Answer 8

As participants do not know they are being watched this removes the problem of participant reactivity and ensures any behaviour observed is true.=increases the validity of the data gathered

Question 9

Limitations of covert observations

Answer 9

Less ethically acceptable as participants have not given there consent and may not wish to have their behaviours noted down

Question 10

Overt observations

Answer 10

Participants behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge and consent

Question 11

Strength of overt observation

Answer 11

More ethically acceptable as participants are aware their behaviours are being observed and noted down

Question 12

Limitation of overt observation

Answer 12

As participants are aware they are being observed this may act as a significant influence on their behaviour=low internal validity=researcher cannot establish a clear cause effect

Question 13

Participant observation

Answer 13

The researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour they are are watching and recording

Question 14

Strength of participant observation

Answer 14

The researcher experiences the situation as the participants do=have an increased Insight into the lives of the people being studied=may increase the validity of the findings

Question 15

Limitation of participant observation

Answer 15

The researcher may identify too strongly with those they are studying and lose objectivity=the data may lack in detail=low internal validity

Question 16

Non participant observation

Answer 16

The researcher remains outside of the group whose behaviour they are watching and recording

Question 17

Strengths of non-participant observation

Answer 17

Allows researcher to maintain an objective psychological distance from their participants to there is less danger of them going naive

Question 18

Limitations of non participant observation

Answer 18

Lose the valuable insight to be gained in a participant observation as they are too far removed from the people and behaviour they are studying