Observations Flashcards
What is a participant observation
Observer is a participant
Strengths of participant observation
Special insights into behaviour from inside
Observer sees more detail because they are on the inside not at a distance
Weaknesses of participant observation
Reduced objectivity
Observation likely to be overt, participants aware
What is a non-participant observation
Observer is not a participant
Strengths of non-participant observation
Increased objectivity (don’t get involved)
Can observe unobtrusively so participants behave naturally
Weaknesses of a non-participant observation
Outside observer may misinterpret communications within a group
Observer may see less
What is a structured observation
Some variables manipulated by researcher
AKA lab study
Strengths of a structured observation
Controlled environment allows study of unusual variables - can study things that would not naturally come up in environment
Possible to draw tentative casual conclusions
Weaknesses of a structured observation
May not behave naturally
Participants aware of observation, demand characteristics
What is a naturalistic observation
Everything left as usual, may use behavioural categories (tally of behaviours)
Strengths of naturalistic observations
Realistic view of natural behaviour, high ecological validity
Useful method for new area of research
Weaknesses of a naturalistic observation
Observation likely to be covert, ethical issues
Difficult to draw conclusions if focus is too wide (watch short part of a video, watch irl for 2 mins then write down for 4 mins what you see)
What is an overt observation
Participants aware of being observed
Strengths of an overt observation
Avoids lack of informed consent since participants decide to participate
Easier to see what is going on, observer doesn’t have to hide
Weaknesses of overt observation
Alter behaviour if know they are being observed
Time required obtaining informed consent and debriefing
