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Psychology - Research Methods Y1 > Observational Techniques > Flashcards

Observational Techniques Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a naturalistic observation?

A

an experiment or observation where the psychologist does not directly alter the IV

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2
Q

What are the strengths of a naturalistic observation?

A
  • P’s are more likely to act naturally as they are in their own environment
  • less stressful for the individual being observed
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3
Q

What are the weaknesses of a naturalistic observation?

A
  • less control, so lower internal validity

- can raise ethical issues for informed consent if psychologist doesn’t debrief P

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4
Q

What piece of research is a naturalistic observation?

A

Shaffer and Emerson (infant)

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5
Q

What is a controlled observation?

A

an experiment or observation where the psychologist does directly to alter the IV

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6
Q

What are the strengths of a controlled observation?

A
  • high control so higher internal validity

- good for informed consent

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7
Q

What are the weaknesses of a controlled observation?

A
  • Demand characteristics

- lower ecological validity

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8
Q

What piece of research is a controlled observation?

A
  • bandura’s bobo doll experiment
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9
Q

What is a covert observation?

A

when the observer does not inform P’s that they are observing and recording their behaviour.

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10
Q

What are the strengths of a covert observation?

A

no demand characteristics

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11
Q

What are the weaknesses of a covert observation?

A

no informed consent

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12
Q

What is a overt observation?

A

When an P knows they’re being studied

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13
Q

What are the strengths of a overt observation?

A

informed consent

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14
Q

What are the weaknesses of a overt observation?

A

demand characteristics

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15
Q

What is a participant observation?

A

When the observer is part of the group they are observing (can be covert or overt)

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16
Q

What are the strengths of a participant observation?

A

no demand characteristics

17
Q

What are the weaknesses of a participant observation?

A
  • if covert, hard to avoid P’s knowing you’re an observer

- when observer joins the group it can alter the dynamic

18
Q

What is a non-participant observation?

A

when observer is not part of the group they are observing (can be covert or overt)

19
Q

What are the strengths of a non-participant observation?

A
  • no demand characteristics

- easier to stay undercover

20
Q

What are the weaknesses of a non-participant observation?

A
  • can alter behaviour if P’s find out they are being observing
21
Q

What are behavioural categories

A

a list or behaviours that is used when the observation is structured. Should have a range of categories but not so may you spend most time searching for the right one.

22
Q

What is event sampling?

A

when observer decides in advance the behaviours they are interested in observing and then records every time they see a particular behaviour

23
Q

What are strengths of event sampling?

A
  • easier to conduct, less likely to miss behaviours
24
Q

What are weaknesses of event sampling?

A
  • can be tiring as you’re recording for the whole time

- may be difficult to decide what behaviour in a particular category

25
Q

What is time sampling?

A

when observer records behaviour at regular time intervals

26
Q

What are strengths of time sampling?

A
  • less tiring

- reduces amount of time needed to spend on observing so this may increase accuracy.

27
Q

What are weaknesses of time sampling?

A
  • observer may miss behaviour that occur during their break

- monitoring time intervals may be a pain or inaccurate

28
Q

What is inter-observer reliability?

A

this is only a relevant term to use when an observation involves more than one observer. They must be recording their data the same, so results are more accurate

29
Q

What are the strengths of a general observation?

A
  • high external validity since in a natural environment,
  • results can be generalised
  • practical method
  • few demand characteristics
30
Q

What are the weaknesses of a general observation?

A 
- cause and effect 
causality cannot be inferred since the variables are only observed. little control of extraneous variables
- observer bias 
they see what they want to see 
- impossible to replicate 
- no informed consent

Psychology - Research Methods Y1 (11 decks)

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