Observational techniques evaluation Flashcards
1
Q
strengths of observational studies
A
- high validity they record people on what they do rather than what they say they do
- observations capture spontaneous and unexpected behaviour
- can be often used to measure the DV in an experiment and therefore are a fundamental method of gathering data
2
Q
weakness of observational studies
A
- issue of observer bias
- only observable behaviour is recorded not what people think or feel
3
Q
naturalistic and controlled observations strengths
A
- realistic picture of spontaneous behaviour which means high ecological validity
- in a controlled observation an observer can focus on particular aspects of behaviour
4
Q
naturalistic and controlled observations weakness
A
- little control of other things that are happening which means that something unknown to the observers may account for a particular behaviour
- in a controlled observation the control comes at the cost of the environment feeling unnatural and participants behaviour also being less natural
5
Q
strengths of overt and covert observations
A
in covert observations participants are unaware they are being observed and there behaviour is more natural
6
Q
weakness of overt and covert observations
A
- in overt observations participants are aware they are being studied (demand character
- in covert observations there are ethical issues
- covert observations mean that participants cannot give consent
7
Q
strengths of participants and non-participant observation
A
- participant observations may provide special insight into behaviour from the ‘inside’ that may not always be gained
- in non participant observations, observers are more likely to be objective because they are not part of the group being observed
8
Q
weakness of participant and non participant observation
A
participant observation is more likely to be overt and thus have issues of participant awareness
- non participant observations are more likely to be covert of which there are ethical issues
