✓ Observational Techniques (AO1 + AO3) Flashcards
3 Types of Observational Techniques
naturalistic/controlled
covert/overt
participant/non-participant
Naturalistic
carried out in an unaltered setting without observer interfering
e.g. an observation of a mall with ppl going abt their daily business
Positives of Naturalistic
- high ecological validity
- more natural behaviour = less demand characteristics
Negatives of Naturalistic
- less reliable as difficult to replicate exact same conditions
- less control of extraneous variables
Controlled
conducted under strict conditions
e.g. an observation room/lab setting
extraneous variables can be controlled to avoid interference with behaviour
Positives of Controlled
- more reliable bc they can be replicated/repeated
- high control over variables
- higher internal validity (bc of control over extraneous variables)
Negatives of Controlled
- lower external validity bc of artificial environment
- demand characteristics
Covert
an ‘undisclosed’ observation - observing ppl without their prior knowledge - ppts usually told abt the study after it has taken place
e.g. one way mirror
Positives of Covert
- investigator effects are less likely
- less demand characteristics bc ppts unaware of observation
- more natural behaviour
Negatives of Covert
many ethical issues:
- ppts cant give informed consent
- ppts dont have right to withdraw
- have not been fully briefed
but observations in public places are completely legal
Overt
observations that are ‘open’ and ppts know that they are being observed
e.g. filming publicly or a teacher observing a class
Positives of Overt
- much more ethically sound than covert operation
Negatives of Overt
- posibility of investigator effects, observer can treat ppts in a biased way through body language
- demand characteristics more likely
- lowers internal validity
Participant
person conducting the observation also takes part in the activity being observed
this can be done either covertly or overtly
Positives of Participant
- research can obtain in depth data w rich detail
- observer gains unique insight
- pick up on behaviours that might be overlooked otherwise
Negatives of Participant
- investigator effects due to known presence of observer
- could lose objectivity due to familiarity
- demand characteristics more likely
- lower internal validity
Non-Participant
person conducting the observation DOESNT take part
aim is for the observer to be as unobtrusive as possible + not engage
Positives of Non-Participant
- investigator effects less likely bc researcher observing at a difference
- natural behaviour bc less demand characteristics
Negatives of Non-Participant
- lack of proximity to ppt behaviour means researcher might miss behaviours of interest
- could overlook key behaviours + lose valuable insight
