Observational Techniques

Question 1

Observation [ao1]

Answer 1

A non - experimental technique, the researcher watches and records natural behaviour of participants without manipulating levels of IV

Question 2

Controlled observation

Answer 2

• Conducted in a lab setting which allows aspects of the environment to be controlled it give participants the same experience

Question 3

Controlled observation evaluation strengths [A03)

Answer 3

Decrees of extraneous variables - as controlling the environment and giving the same experience reduces the lively mood of extraneous variables becoming responsible for observed behaviour
- more reliable - using one same standardised procedures

Question 4

Controlled observation evaluation limitation [A03]

Answer 4

• Artificiality of the observation environment may result in unnatural behaviour

Question 5

Naturalistic observation [AO1]

Answer 5

Takes place in the ‘“real world places the participants are likely to spend their time e.g. schools, work,house

Question 6

Naturalistic observation evaluation Strengths [AO3]

Answer 6

• High realism - participants are likely to snow more naturalistic behaviour
• external validity, behaviour is more likely to be generalisable to other situations

Question 7

Naturalistic observation evaluation limitation [A03]

Answer 7

• Uncontrolled extraneous variables [may be responsible for the behaviour observed resulting in lower internal validity ]

Question 8

Overt observational [AO1]

Answer 8

The participants can see the researcher and are aware of the behaviours being observed as part of an observational study

Question 9

Overt observation evaluation strengths [AO1]

Answer 9

-There’s a lack of ethical issues as a principal of inform consent means participants agreed to take part in the research as they should know what they are signing up for

Question 10

Overt observation evaluation limitations [AO1]

Answer 10

-an increase of the month characteristics as the participants are aware that they are being observed and may alter the behaviour that do you think the researcher wants to see
-An increase of social desirability bias acting to look good

Question 11

Covert observation [AO1]

Answer 11

The participants are not aware they are being observed and they cannot see someone taking notes/recording

Question 12

covert observation evaluation strength [AO1]

Answer 12

-An increase of naturalistic behaviour which is free from the demand characteristics or social desirability bias

Question 13

Covert observation evaluation limitation [AO3]

Answer 13

-more unethical because the participants cannot give informed consent

Question 14

Participant observation [AO1]

Answer 14

The research enjoys the group being observed and takes part in the group activities and conversations

Question 15

Participant observation evaluation. Strengths [A03]

Answer 15

• An increase of trust - by taking part researcher may build rapport which lead to the participants behaving more naturally

Question 16

Participant observation limitation [AO3]

Answer 16

• Researcher may lose objectivity- interpretation of behaviour is biased seeing only from only the participants perspective

Question 17

Non-participation observation (AO1)

Answer 17

The researcher is separate from the participants recording observations without talking part in the groups activities

Question 18

non participant observation strength (AO3)

Answer 18

The researcher is more likely to remain objective in the interpretation of the participants behaviour

Question 19

Non-participant observation limitation (A03)

Answer 19

Due to lack of trust with the participants research of Mrs the important insight /participants behave naturally