Observational Techniques Flashcards
What is a naturalistic observation?
An observation carried out in an everyday setting where everything has been left as it is normally, in which the investigator doesn’t interfere in any way but simply observes the behaviours in question
Which observational techniques are non-experimental, meaning there is no IV being controlled or manipulated in the traditional sense?
. Naturalistic observation
. Participant and non-participant observation
. Non-experimental controlled observations
What is a controlled observation?
A form of investigation in which behaviour is observed but under controlled conditions, where the researcher has some control over the environment and variables, allowing for more structure and control over extraneous factors, while still focusing on the observation on behaviour
Why are the effects of certain ‘behaviours/things’ not seen as an independent variable in a controlled observation?
There isn’t another type of behaviour/thing being observed and manipulated as a comparison
What is an overt observation?
Observational studies where the participants know they are being observed, even if one-way mirrors are used to hide the researcher so more ‘natural behaviour’ can be observed. This is still an overt observation as the participants were initially told they would be observed, even if it doesn’t seem like it for them during the experiment
What is a covert observation?
Observational studies whereby the participants aren’t aware they are being studied before or during the study, so generally tend to elicit more ‘natural’ behaviour. They can be informed after and it is still a covert observation
What is participant observation?
When the observer is part of the group being observed, which may affect their objectivity due to observer bias and the observer effect
What are non-participant observations?
When the observer is separate from the participants being observed (more common)
What are the strengths of observational studies in general?
. High validity: record what people actually do not just what they say they do
. Can capture spontaneous and unexpected behaviour as it typically a more natural environment
. Useful in experimental methods: often used to measure the DV in an experiment, making them useful in gathering data
What are the limitations of observational studies in general?
. Observer bias: difficult to objectively gather data from observations as what people observe is distorted by their expectations of what they expect to see
. Only observable behaviour is recorded rather than internal mental processing
Conclusion: data gathered via observations should be interpreted carefully
How can observer bias be reduced in observations?
Use more than one observer so the validity will be corrected slightly
What are the strengths of naturalistic observations?
. High ecological validity: you get a realistic picture of behaviour as the environment is natural, so the findings are more likely to reflect real-life behaviours
. Useful for studying behaviours that cannot be manipulated: some behaviours can’t be practically or ethically manipulated in a lab, so a naturalistic observation can help study these behaviours in a real-world context
What are the strengths of controlled observations?
. High control over extraneous variables: due to the controlled environment, extraneous variables can be managed and minimised so that there can be more focus on the behaviour being observed, producing more reliable and accurate observations
. Easier to replicate than non-experimental observations: as controlled observations are conducted in a structured environment, it is easier to replicate, making findings more reliable as they can be tested for consistency
What are the limitations of controlled observations and naturalistic observations simply?
The opposite of the strengths
What is the difference between ecological validity and mundane realism?
. Ecological validity is about whether the RESULTS apply to the real world
. Mundane realism is about whether the nature of the study itself reflects real-world scenarios
