OBSERVATIONAL TECHNIQUES

Question 1

Is observation an experimental method or a non-experimental method?

Answer 1

Observation is an example of a non-experimental method.

Question 2

How do observational methods provide researchers with insight into human behaviour?

Answer 2

Observations provide psychologists with a way of seeing what people do without having to ask them. They also allow researchers to study observable behaviour within a natural or controlled setting. Consequently, observations provide researchers with the flexibility to study complex interactions between variables.

Question 3

Which three types of observation are frequently used by psychologists?

Answer 3

• Naturalistic and controlled observations
• Covert and overt observations
• Participant and non-participant observations