Observations Flashcards
What are all the types of observations?
Controlled
Naturalistic
Overt
Covert
Participant
Non participant
Define a controlled observation
- conditions are manipulated by researcher
- carried out in labs, artifical env
- (example)
What are the strengths of a controlled observation?
- high in reliability
- env is controlled + standardised (context- how?)
- observation can be repeated in similar conditions to get consistent results
- inc int val
What are the weaknesses of a controlled observation?
- low in eco val
- takes place in a controlled/artificial env
- so more difficult to gen results beyond setting of obsv
- lowers ext val
- demand characteristics (if ppts over 10 yrs)
- more likely to know theyre being watched
- so change nat bhv
- help researcher based off of clues given about aim of study
Define a naturalistic observation
- watching nat bhv in a nat env of ppt
- where target bhv would normally occur
- no manipulation of variables (context)
What is a strength of a naturalistic observation?
- high eco val
- obsv takes place in natural setting (context)
- easier to gen results to (context)
- beyond setting of obsv to other similar settings
- inc ext val
- less prone to demand characteristics (if ppts are over 10)
- less likely to know theyre being watched as (context of nat setting, where target bhv of.. wud normally occur)
- unlikely to change bhv + less likely to help researcher
- inc int val
What are the weaknesses of a naturalistic observation?
- low reliability
- being observed in nat env of (context + what isnt being controlled?)
- difficult to repeat obsv in exact same conditions to achieve consistent results
- dec int val
- ethical issue of lack of informed consent
- ppl not aware theyre being observed
- as theyre in nat setting (context)
- not given consent to take part
- if they become aware they may want their data withdrawn from study
Define an overt observation
- ppts are aware their bhv of (context) is being observed
- so will be aware of purpose of research
- observer is clearly visible to ppt
What is a strength of an overt observation?
- more ethically appropiate than a covert obsv
- as ppts know theyre being observed (context - how is it overt)
- so ppts can give consent for their data to be used
What is a weakness of an overt observation?
- more prone to demand characteristics
- as ppts are more likely to know they’re being observed (context - why?)
- ppts more likely to change bhv + help researcher
- based on clues given off by observer
- lowers int val
Define a covert observation
- obsv conducted w out knowledge of ppts
- done thru observer being hidden
- using secret cameras or behind a 2 way mirror
What is a strength of a covert observation?
- less prone to demand characteristics (if ppts over 10)
- as ppl are less likely to know theyre being watched (context - why?)
- so unlikely to change nat bhv + less likely to help researcher
- inc int val
What is a weakness of an overt observation?
- ethical issue - lack of informed consent
- ppts unaware theyre being observed (context - why?)
- leads to invasion of privacy
- when ppts are informed, could lead to them wanting to withdraw their data
Define a participant observation
- researcher is involved within group (context - how?)
- data collected whilst being part of group / situation e.g. (context)
What is a strength of participant observation?
- observer being part of group allows an in depth understanding of groups bhv (context - how?)
- so will not miss out on important details (context - specific bhv / feelings)
- inc int val
What is a weakness of a participant observation?
- inc chance of researcher bias
- as observer is part of group (context - how?)
- decreases objective / factual info of obsv
- as researchers own thoughts / bhvs may impact obsv
- lower int val
Define a non participant observation
- researcher is not involved with group
- data collected from a distance e.g. video camera
What is a strength of a non participant observation?
- reduced chance of researcher bias
- observer is not part of group (context - how?)
- inc objective + factual gain from obsv
- as researchers own thoughts + bhv are less likely to impact obsv
- inc int val
What is a weakness of a non participant observation?
- less likely to gain an indepth understanding of groups bhv
- as observer is not part of group (context - how?)
- so may miss important aspects like (context - specific bhv?)
- lowers int val
Summarise all types of observations
Controlled - lab exp, conditions manipulated
Naturalistic - real life env
Over - aware being watched
Covert - unaware being watched
Participant - researcher involved with group
Non participant - not involved with group
