*Observational Techniques

Question 1

What are the types of observation?

Answer 1

Naturalistic, Controlled, Covert, Overt, Participant, Non-participant

These types of observation encompass various methods used in psychological research.

Question 2

What is a key feature of observations in psychology?

Answer 2

They allow psychologists to see what people do without having to ask them

This enables researchers to study observable behavior in natural or controlled settings.

Question 3

What are naturalistic observations?

Answer 3

Observations that take place in the context where the target behavior would usually occur

All aspects of the environment are free to vary.

Question 4

What are controlled observations?

Answer 4

Observations where certain aspects of the research situation are controlled

An example is Ainsworth’s controlled observation during the strange situation studies.

Question 5

What is a covert observation?

Answer 5

Behavior recorded without first obtaining consent

Observations must be conducted in public to be ethical.

Question 6

What is an overt observation?

Answer 6

When participants know they are being observed and have given informed consent

This type of observation is more ethically acceptable.

Question 7

What is a participant observation?

Answer 7

When an observer becomes part of the group they are studying

This method allows researchers to gain deeper insights.

Question 8

What is a non-participant observation?

Answer 8

When the researcher remains separate from the group they are studying

This approach allows for more objective recording of behavior.

Question 9

What is a strength of observations?

Answer 9

Captures what people actually do and unexpected behaviors

People may behave differently when they know they are being observed.

Question 10

What is a limitation of observations?

Answer 10

Observer bias can affect interpretation

Using multiple researchers can reduce this bias.

Question 11

What is a strength of naturalistic and controlled observations?

Answer 11

High external validity

Findings can often be generalized to everyday life.

Question 12

What is a limitation of naturalistic observations?

Answer 12

Lack of control over the situation makes replication difficult

Uncontrolled confounding variables may affect results.

Question 13

What is a limitation of controlled observations?

Answer 13

Findings may not be applicable to everyday life

The artificial setting can affect behavior.

Question 14

What is a strength of covert observations?

Answer 14

Participants do not know they are being watched

This increases internal validity by reducing demand characteristics.

Question 15

What is a limitation of covert observations?

Answer 15

Ethical concerns regarding consent

People may not want their behaviors recorded without permission.

Question 16

What is a limitation of overt observations?

Answer 16

Knowing they are being observed may influence participants’ behavior

This can lead to demand characteristics affecting results.

Question 17

What is a strength of participant observations?

Answer 17

Researcher can experience the situation as the participant does

This provides deeper insight into the lives of those being observed.

Question 18

What is a limitation of participant observations?

Answer 18

Researcher may lose objectivity by identifying too strongly with participants

This can blur the line between researcher and participant.

Question 19

What is a strength of non-participant observations?

Answer 19

Researcher maintains an objective distance

This allows for unbiased recording of behavior.

Question 20

What is a limitation of non-participant observations?

Answer 20

May lose valuable insight as they are far removed from the group being studied

This distance can lead to a lack of understanding of the behavior.