observations

Question 1

define naturalistic observations

Answer 1

An observation study was conducted in the environment where the behavior would normally occur

Question 2

advantages of naturalistic observations

Answer 2

• observe the flow of behaviour in its own setting studies have greater ecological validity.
• used to generate new ideas = which gives the researcher the opportunity to study the total situation it often suggests avenues of inquiry not thought of before.

Question 3

disadvantages of naturalistic observations

Answer 3

• These observations are often conducted on a small scale and may lack a representative sample (biased in relation to age, gender, social class, or ethnicity).
• findings lacking the ability to be generalized to wider society.
• Natural observations are less reliable as other variables cannot be controlled.
• This makes it difficult for another researcher to repeat the study in exactly the same way. = less reliable and cant be replicated
• researcher needs to be trained to be able to recognize aspects of a situation that are psychologically significant and worth further attention.
• we do not have manipulations of variables (or control over extraneous variables) which means cause and effect relationships cannot be established.

Question 4

define controlled observation

Answer 4

An observation study where the researchers control some variables - often takes place in a laboratory setting

Question 5

advantages of controlled observation

Answer 5

• can be easily replicated by other researchers by using the same observation schedule. This means it is easy to test for reliability.
• observations are easier and quicker to analyze as it is quantitative (i.e. numerical) = making this a less time consuming method compared to naturalistic observations.
• fairly quick to conduct which means that many observations can take place within a short amount of time = and a large sample can be obtained resulting in the findings being representative and having the ability to be generalized to a large population..

Question 6

disadvantages of controlled observation

Answer 6

• can lack validity due to the Hawthorne effect/demand characteristics = participants know they are being watched they may act differently.

Question 7

define overt observation

Answer 7

participants have given their permission for their behavior to be observed

Question 8

advantages of overt observation

Answer 8

• Reduces ethical issues as the participants are aware that they are being observed.
• If observed for long periods of time, people tend to forget about observers and behave more naturally, particularly when being filmed.

Question 9

disadvantages of overt observation

Answer 9

• Increase of social desirability as they are aware of being observed, they may change their behaviour in a way that they feel is favourable to others, which decreases validity.
• Increase the chance of demand characteristics, as the participant is aware of the researcher, they may change their behaviour in order to fit in with what they think the researcher wants to see.