observational techniques

Question 1

what are naturalistic observational techniques

Answer 1

observation takes place where behaviour would normally occur

Question 2

2 strengths of naturalistic observational techniques

Answer 2

-high external validity- findings can be generalised
-high mundane realism- natural behaviour

Question 3

2 limitations of naturalistic observational techniques

Answer 3

-low internal validity- uncontrollable confounding+extraneous variables
-can’t be replicated

Question 4

what are controlled observational techniques

Answer 4

observing behaviour in a structured environment

Question 5

2 strengths of controlled observational techniques

Answer 5

-more control over extraneous+confounding variables
-can be replicated- standardised procedures

Question 6

limitation of controlled observational techniques

Answer 6

-low ecological validity- lacks mundane realism so youre observing unnatural behaviour

Question 7

what are overt observational techniques

Answer 7

participants know theyre being observed and observer is clearly visible

Question 8

strength of overt observational techniques

Answer 8

ethically acceptable- informed consent

Question 9

limitation of overt observational techniques

Answer 9

-observing unnatural behaviour- demand characteristics and social desirability bias

Question 10

what are covert observational techniques

Answer 10

participants are unaware theyre being observed and observer cant be seen

Question 11

2 strengths of covert observational techniques

Answer 11

-high internal validity- natural behaviour observed- removes demand characteristics
-removes participant reactivity (participants try to make sense of the situation theyre in- more likely to guess aims of study)

Question 12

limitation of covert observational techniques

Answer 12

ethical issues- no informed consent

Question 13

what are participant observational techniques

Answer 13

observer is part of the group being observed

Question 14

2 strengths of participant observational techniques

Answer 14

-high internal validity as its more insightful
-research can build rapport with p’s, leading them to be more comfortable and disclose more info

Question 15

limitation of participant observational techniques

Answer 15

researcher may lose objectivity- identifying too strongly with participants- line between participants and observer is blurred

Question 16

what are non-participant observational techniques

Answer 16

researcher stays separate from observed group

Question 17

strength of non-participant observational techniques

Answer 17

stays objective- less danger of researcher adopting a local lifestyle

Question 18

limitation of non-participant observational techniques

Answer 18

may lose valuable insight if researcher is too far removed from observed group as there is a lack of rapport

Question 19

what is participant reactivity

Answer 19

participants try to make sense of the situation theyre in- more likely to guess aims of study