observational techniques

Question 1

what is a naturalistic observation?

Answer 1

• when behaviour is studied in a neutral situation (e.g observing shoppers in a supermarket)
• everything in the environment has been left as normal
• the researcher can investigate how ‘things’ in the environment impact upon behaviour

Question 2

what is a controlled observation?

Answer 2

• when variables in the environment are regulated by the researcher.
• participants are likely to know they’re being observed e.g observing children’s behaviour when confronted with a series of different things
• such ‘things’ are not like an IV as there is no comparison to a different set of ‘things’.

Question 3

what are two types of designs of observational techniques?

Answer 3

covert and overt
covert-participants are unaware they’re being observed and are informed after
overt- participants are aware they are being observed.

Question 4

what is the difference between participant and non-participant observations and examples of each/

Answer 4

participant observations- when observations are made by someone who is also participating in the activity.
(Zimbardo)
non-participant observations- when the observer is separate from those being observed.
(Ainsworth)

Question 5

what are some costs and benefits of participant observations?

Answer 5

+give a rich insight into the behaviour from the inside that otherwise may not have been noticed
-are likely to be covert so could have ethical implications but individuals show less demand characteristics as they don’t know they’re being observed.

Question 6

what are some costs and benefits of non-participant observations?

Answer 6

+know they’re being observed so doesn’t breach ethical guidelines.
-observers are likely to be more objective because they are not part of the group being observed.

Question 7

what is meant by observer bias?

Answer 7

when the observer knows the aims/hypothesis of the study and allows them to influence their observations and thus the outcome of the study.

Question 8

costs and benefits of naturalistic observations?

Answer 8

+realistic picture of natural, spontaneous behaviour- high in ecological validity/mundane realism
-little control over extraneous variables

Question 9

costs and benefits of controlled observations?

Answer 9

+can focus on particular aspect of behaviour

-unnatural environment and demand characteristics (ecological validity and lacks mundane realism)

Question 10

costs and benefits of covert observations?

Answer 10

+ppts unaware so act more natural

-elements of deception and not informed consent

Question 11

costs and benefits of overt observations?

Answer 11

+agrees with ethical guidelines

-may display demand characteristics as they know they’re being observed.