observational techniques

Question 1

strengths of controlled observations

Answer 1

• extraneous variables less of a factor so can be replicated easier

Question 1

What is controlled observations

Answer 1

watching and recording behaviour in a structured environment

Question 2

weaknesses of controlled observations

Answer 2

• cannot be readily applied to everyday life
• low external validity

Question 3

what is naturalistic observations

Answer 3

watching and recording behaviour in a setting it would normally occur

Question 4

what is covert observation

Answer 4

watching and recording behaviour without ppts knowledge

Question 5

strengths of covert observation

Answer 5

• ensures natural behaviour so increases validity
• no participant reactivity

Question 6

weaknesses of covert observations

Answer 6

• not ethical

Question 7

what is overt observations

Answer 7

behaviour watched and recorded with ppts knowledge and consent

Question 8

strengths of overt observations

Answer 8

• more ethically acceptable

Question 9

weaknesses of overt observations

Answer 9

• may change their behaviour as they know they are being studied

Question 10

what is participant observations

Answer 10

researcher becomes member of the group who’s behaviour they are watching

Question 11

strengths of participant observations

Answer 11

• helps produce a first hand account
• increases validity

Question 12

weaknesses of participant observations

Answer 12

• chance of bias

Question 13

what is non-participant observations

Answer 13

researcher remains outside of groups who’s behaviour is being recorded

Question 14

strengths of non-participant observations

Answer 14

• more objective observations

Question 15

weaknesses of non-participant observations

Answer 15

• too far removed from group