observational techniques

Question 1

state the types of observation and briefly describe each

Answer 1

• naturalistic - when everything has been left as it is normally
• controlled - reducing the naturalness of the environment and the behaviour being studied
• covert - ppts don’t know they are being observed
• overt - ppts are aware they’re being observed
• participant - observer is part of the group being observed
• non-participant - observer observes from a distance and doesn’t interact with those being observed

Question 2

strengths and weaknesses of naturalistic observation

Answer 2

• strengths - high external validity
• weaknesses - lack of control makes replication difficult, uncontrolled EVs/CVs

Question 3

strengths and weaknesses of controlled observation

Answer 3

• strengths - CVs/EVs may be less of an issue, replication is easier, able to focus on specific aspects of behaviour
• weaknesses - lacks generalisability (ecological validity)

Question 4

strengths and weaknesses of overt observation

Answer 4

• strengths - more ethical
• weaknesses - ppts may behave differently if they’re aware they’re being observed

Question 5

strengths and weaknesses of covert observation

Answer 5

• strengths - demand characteristics aren’t an issue, higher internal validity
• weaknesses - may be considered unethical

Question 6

strengths and weaknesses of participant observation

Answer 6

• strengths - gives researchers increased insight into people being studies, increased external validity
• weaknesses - the researcher may lose objectivity

Question 7

strengths and weaknesses of non-participant observation

Answer 7

• strengths - allows researcher to maintain an objective psychological distance
• weaknesses - may lose out on valuable insight and become too detached