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Psychology - Research Methods > Observational Techniques > Flashcards

Observational Techniques Flashcards

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1
Q

What do observations involve?

A

Watching participants and recording their behaviour.

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2
Q

Are all observational techniques experimental or non-experimental?

A

Non-experimental.

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3
Q

What are the six types of observations?

A
  • Naturalistic
  • Controlled
  • Covert
  • Overt
  • Non-participant
  • Participant
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4
Q

What are naturalistic observations?

A

This is where you watch and record behaviour in a natural setting where the researcher does not influence the situation of participants in any way.

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5
Q

What kind of behaviour do naturalistic observations record?

A

Real-life behaviour.

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6
Q

What is an example of a naturalistic observation?

A

Watching infants play at a nursery.

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7
Q

What are controlled observations?

A

This is where you watch and record behaviour in a regulated and controlled environment (a laboratory).

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8
Q

What do controlled observations allow researchers to test?

A

They can test specific situations while also reducing the effect of extraneous variables.

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9
Q

What is an example of a controlled observation?

A

Observing an infant’s behaviour as they experience a series of pre-planned situations.

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10
Q

What are two advantages of naturalistic observations?

A
  • High ecological validity

- Low demand characteristics

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11
Q

What are two disadvantages of naturalistic observations?

A
  • Low internal validity

- Difficult to replicate

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12
Q

What are two advantages of controlled observations?

A
  • High internal validity

- Easy to replicate

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13
Q

What are two disadvantages of controlled observations?

A
  • Low ecological validity

- High demand characteristics

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14
Q

What are overt observations?

A

This is when participants are made aware that their behaviour is being watched and recorded, regardless of the setting.

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15
Q

What does awareness of being observed tend to do to participants?

A

Cause them to change their behaviour.

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16
Q

How many observers try to be in an overt observation to limit how much participants change their behaviour?

A

They may try to be as unobtrusive as possible.

17
Q

What are covert observations?

A

This is when participants are NOT aware that their behaviour is being watched and recorded.

18
Q

What ethical issue do covert observations bring up?

A

Lack of informed consent.

19
Q

What factors must be considered to see a covert observation as ethical?

A

The behaviour must be public and happening naturally.

20
Q

What is an advantage of overt observations?

A
  • Ethical (informed consent).
21
Q

What is a disadvantage of overt observations?

A
  • High demand characteristics.
22
Q

What is an advantage of covert observations?

A
  • Low demand characteristics.
23
Q

What is a disadvantage of covert observations?

A
  • Unethical (lack of informed consent).
24
Q

What are non-participant observations?

A

This is where the researcher remains separate from the participants and records behaviour in a more objective manner.

25
Q

Why are non-participant observations typically more common than participant observations?

A

It may often be impractical or impossible to join a particular group, so non-participation is the only option.

26
Q

What are participant observations?

A

This is where the researcher is a part of the group being observed. The researcher watches and records behaviour from within the social situation, acting as part of the group and even interacting with the group.

27
Q

What is one advantage of non-participant observations?

A
  • Low investigator effects (objective stance).
28
Q

What is one disadvantage of non-participant observations?

A
  • Lack of first-hand insight.
29
Q

What is one advantage of participant observations?

A
  • First-hand insight (increased validity).
30
Q

What is one disadvantage of participant observations?

A
  • Get too close to the group (investigator effects).
31
Q

What is ‘observer bias’?

A

This is where the observer’s expectations influence what the researcher witnesses and records.

32
Q

Why is observer bias an issue?

A

Makes the observation less objective and reduces internal validity.

Psychology - Research Methods (11 decks)

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