Observations Flashcards
What is a covert observation?
The participants are unaware that they are being observed
What are the strengths of covert observations?
Minimising observer affects or social desirability bias/ demand characteristics - high validity
What are the weaknesses of covert observations?
Ethical issues - cannot consent
What is an overt observation?
The participants know that they’re being observed
What are the strengths of an overt correlation?
Ethical and may forget they’re being studies if done over a long period of time
What are the weaknesses of an overt correlation?
Demand characteristics and social desirability effects
What is a controlled observation?
Involves controlling the situation that is being observed in some way, without there actually being an independent variable
What are the strengths of a controlled observation?
Accurate and consistent, extraneous variables can be controlled, wide range of behaviours and actions
What are the weaknesses of a controlled observation?
Environment is artificial and lacks mundane realism
What is a naturalistic observation?
Observing participants in their natural environment
What are the strengths of a naturalistic observation?
Very useful for obtaining accurate data
What are the weaknesses of a naturalistic observation?
Difficult to ensure the validity and consistency, and extraneous variables will be present
What is a structured observation?
Where the data collection itself is done in a structured manner - the use of behavioural categories and coding schemes
What are behavioural categories?
Observer must decide which specific behaviours should be examined
What are coding frames?
Allow for more specific behaviours to be observed with in a behaviour categories