Observations Flashcards
Naturalistic observation
A research method carried out in a naturalistic setting in which in the investigative doesn’t interfere in any way but observe the behaviour in question
Controlled observation
Observing behaviour under controlled conditions
Overt observation
The participants know they are being observed
Covert observation
The participants are not aware they are being observed
Structured observation
The researcher determines precisely what behaviours are to be observed and uses a standardised checklist to report the frequency with which they are observed
Unstructured observation
The observer recalls all relevant behaviour but has no system
Participant observation
The researcher gets involved with the participant activity so they can experience it for themselves
Non participant observation
The observer remains separate from the participants to maintain objectivity
Strengths of controlled observation
Easily replicated by other researchers using the same observation schedule, data easier and quicker to analyse, quick to conduct meaning a large sample can be obtained
Limitation of controlled observation
Lack validity to Hawthorne effect - when participants are being watched they behave differently
Strength of naturalistic observation
Observing behaviour in own settings, studies have greater ecological validity, generate new ideas bc gives researcher opportunity to study the while situation
Weakness naturalistic observation
Often conducted on a small scale and lack representative sample. Less reliable as other variables cannot be controlled
Limitation of participant observation
It can be difficult to get time or privacy for recording, need to rely on memory so they don’t blow cover. If the researcher becomes too involved, they may lose objectivity and become bias
What are the three sampling methods
Continuous recording, event sampling, time sampling
Continuous sampling
All instances of target behaviour are recorded
