Observational Techniques (AO1 + AO3)

Question 1

3 Types of Observational Techniques

Answer 1

naturalistic/controlled
covert/overt
participant/non-participant

Question 2

Naturalistic

Answer 2

carried out in an unaltered setting without observer interfering
e.g. an observation of a mall with ppl going abt their daily business

Question 3

Positives of Naturalistic

Answer 3

• high ecological validity
• more natural behaviour = less demand characteristics

Question 4

Negatives of Naturalistic

Answer 4

• less reliable as difficult to replicate exact same conditions
• less control of extraneous variables

Question 5

Controlled

Answer 5

conducted under strict conditions
e.g. an observation room/lab setting

extraneous variables can be controlled to avoid interference with behaviour

Question 6

Positives of Controlled

Answer 6

• more reliable bc they can be replicated/repeated
• high control over variables
• higher internal validity (bc of control over extraneous variables)

Question 7

Negatives of Controlled

Answer 7

• lower external validity bc of artificial environment
• demand characteristics

Question 8

Covert

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Positives of Covert

Answer 9

• investigator effects are less likely
• less demand characteristics bc ppts unaware of observation
• more natural behaviour

Question 10

Negatives of Covert

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Overt

Answer 11

observations that are ‘open’ and ppts know that they are being observed
e.g. filming publicly or a teacher observing a class

Question 12

Positives of Overt

Answer 12

• much more ethically sound than covert operation

Question 13

Negatives of Overt

Answer 13

• posibility of investigator effects, observer can treat

Question 14

Participant

Answer 14

person conducting the observation also takes part in the activity being observed
this can be done either covertly or overtly

Question 15

Positives of Participant

Answer 15

• research can obtain in depth data w rich detail
• observer gains unique insight
• pick up on behaviours that might be overlooked otherwise

Question 16

Negatives of Participant

Answer 16

• investigator effects due to known presence of observer
• could lose objectivity due to familiarity
• demand characteristics more likely
• lower internal validity

Question 17

Non-Participant

Answer 17

person conducting the observation DOESNT take part

aim is for the observer to be as unobtrusive as possible + not engage

Question 18

Positives of Non-Participant

Answer 18

• investigator effects less likely bc researcher observing at a difference
• natural behaviour bc less demand characteristics

Question 19

Negatives of Non-Participant

Answer 19

• lack of proximity to ppt behaviour means researcher might miss behaviours of interest
• could overlook key behaviours + lose valuable insight