Observational techniques

Question 1

What are the types of observation?

Answer 1

Naturalistic, controlled, covert, overt, participant and non-participant

Question 2

What is a naturalistic observation?

Answer 2

Take place in the setting or context where the target behaviour would usually occur, all aspects of the environment are free to vary

Question 3

What is a controlled observation?

Answer 3

There is some control over variables, including manupulating variables to observe effects and also control of extraneous variables

Question 4

What is a strength and a limitation of naturalistic observations?

Answer 4

STRENGTH
-Tend to have high external validity as findings can often be generalised to everyday life
LIMITATION
-Lack of control over the research makes replication difficult. There may also be many uncontrolled extraneous variables which may affect the results

Question 5

What is a strength and a limitation of controlled observations?

Answer 5

STRENGTH
-Less extraneous variables which may affect the results
LIMITATION
-Tend to have low external validity as findings cannot be generalised to everyday life

Question 6

What is an overt observation?

Answer 6

When participants know their behaviour is being observed and have given their informed consent beforehand

Question 7

What is a covert observation?

Answer 7

Participants are unaware they are the focus of the study and there behaviour is observed in secret

Question 8

What is a strength and a limitation of covert observations?

Answer 8

STRENGTH
-Less demand characteristics - which increases validity
LIMITATION
-Ethical - can’t give consent

Question 9

What is a strength and a limitation of overt observations?

Answer 9

STRENGTH
-More ethically accurate as there’s no deception
LIMITATION
-Demand characteristics

Question 10

What is a participant observation?

Answer 10

The observer becomes part of the group they are studying

Question 11

What is a non-participant observation?

Answer 11

When the researcher remains separate from those they are studying and records behaviour in a more objective manner

Question 12

What is a strength and a limitation of participant observations?

Answer 12

STRENGTH
-The researcher will have more insight into the behaviour and therefore increases the validity of the findings
LIMITATION
-If the researcher identifies too strongly with the participants they can loose objectivity

Question 13

What is a strength and a limitation of non-participant observations?

Answer 13

STRENGTH
-More objective and less chance of the researcher ‘going native’ (less likely that they’ll miss out on things because they’re engrossed)
LIMITATION
-Loss of insight - as they may be too far moved form the people and the behaviour they’re observing