observational techniques

Question 1

naturalistic observation

Answer 1

watching and recording behaviour in a setting within it would normally occur

Question 2

controlled observation

Answer 2

watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment

Question 3

covert observation

Answer 3

participants behaviour is watched and recorded without their knowledge or consent

Question 4

overt observation

Answer 4

participants behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge or consent

Question 5

participant observation

Answer 5

the researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour theyre watching and recording

Question 6

non participant observation

Answer 6

the researcher remains outside of the behaviour theyre watching and recording

Question 7

all observation ao3

Answer 7

• observer bias
• cannot demonstrate casual relationships

Question 8

naturalist observation ao3

Answer 8

• high external validity, generalisable
• replication is difficult as a result of lack of control over the research situation (uncontrolled EV and CV)

Question 9

controlled observation ao3

Answer 9

• cannot be applied to everyday life
• easier replication (EV and CV less of a factor0

Question 10

covert observation ao3

Answer 10

• no demand characteristics
• high internal validity
• ethics (people may not wish for their behaviour to be noted down)

Question 11

overt observation ao3

Answer 11

• ethically acceptable
• potential demand characteristics

Question 12

participant observation ao3

Answer 12

• external validity ( increased insight of the lifes of the people being studied)
• lose objectivity ( researcher may become to identify too strongly with those who are studied)

Question 13

non participant ao3

Answer 13

• maintain an objective distance
• may lose valuable insight ( too far removed from the participants being studied)