Observational Techniques Flashcards
What is naturalistic observation?
Observing not interfering subjects in their natural environment
What is ecological validity?
The participants behaviour is natural and there are no demand characteristics as the participant is unaware they are being observed
What is theory development?
These studies are ways of developing ideas about behaviour that could be tested later in more controlled conditions
What are the strengths of naturalistic observation?
High ecological validity
Theory development
What are the limitations of naturalistic observation?
Extraneous variables
Observer bias
Ethics
What are extraneous variables?
Variables that you cannot control that may affect behaviour
What is observer bias?
The observers expectations may affect what they are focusing on. The reliability may be a problem
What is controlled observation?
Where the investigation takes place in conditions set up by the researcher
What is the strength of controlled observation?
The variables are more controlled
What is the weakness of controlled observation?
Low ecological validity
What is correlation research?
When you look for a relationship between variables
What are the strengths of correlation research?
Casual relationships can be ruled out if no correlation exists
Ethics it is possible to study variables that would be considered unethical to manipulate
What are the limitations of correlation research?
Causal relationships cannot be assumed from correlation as the changes may be caused by a third unknown variable
Misinterpretation can be an issue
