observational techniques Flashcards
what is meant by observational studies (3)
- allow researchers to investigate observable behaviour within a natural or controlled setting
-allows flexibility to study more complex interactions between variables in a more natural way - provides psychologist with a way of seeing what people do without having to ask them
what limitation does all observational research have ?
it’s not possible to establish a cause and effect as there is no manipulation of the IV - non experimental method
what is a natural observation ?
watching and recording behaviour in the setting within which it would normally occur
what is an example of natural observation ?
how children play in groups vs alone
- observe how children interact in the playground
what is a controlled observation ?
watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment
- one where some variables are managed
what is an example of a controlled observation ? (3)
Mary Ainsworth - Strange Situation studies (add to once done attachment )
what variables would a controlled observation have control over ?
-manipulating variables to observe effects
-control of extraneous variables
what is the strength of a naturalistic observation and how ? (3)
- tend to have a high external validity –> so findings can be generalised to everyday life
- due to behaviour being studied in an environment in which it would usually occur
What are 2 limitations of naturalistic observation ? (2)
-lack of control over the situation makes replication difficult
- uncontrolled EVs
what is the strength of controlled observations ?
- EVs may be less of a factor –> replication of the observation becomes easier
what is the limitation of controlled observation ?
-produce findings can’t be readily applied to real-life setting
what is a covert observation ?
participants’ behaviour is watched and recorded without their knowledge and consent ?
what is an overt observation ?
participants behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge or consent
what is an example of a covert observation ?
observed
- across a room
- from a balcony
what must be happening for a covert observation to be ethical ?
it must be public and happening
what must participants give for an overt observation ?
- their informed consent beforehand
what is the strength of a covert observation ?
-removes the problem of demand characteristics
-ensures any behaviour observed will be natural
–> increases the validity of the data gathered
what is the limitation of covert observation ?
- ethics of the studies may be questioned
–> people may not wish for their behaviours to be noted down
what is an example of the limitation of an overt observation ? (2)
- ‘shopping’ would be generally recognised as public activity
- the amount of money people spend on shopping trips is probably their private business
what is a strength of overt observation ?
- ethical as participants have provided their consent beforehand
what is a limitation of overt observation ?
-knowledge of participants that they are being observed –> may act as a significant influence on their behaviour
what is a participant observation ?
the researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour he/she is watching and recording
what is a non-participant observation ?
- the researcher remains outside of the group whose behaviour he/she is watching and recording
what is an example of participant observation ?
a researcher might observe how high school students form social groups during lunch breaks by becoming part of the group themselves