Observations

Question 1

What are unstructured observations?

Answer 1

Researchers record any behaviour they can see.

Question 2

What are strengths of unstructured observations?

Answer 2

Provides a great deal of rich, in depth, qualitative data.

High external validity: natural behaviour in a natural environment

Question 3

What are limitations of unstructured observations?

Answer 3

Lack of control makes replication difficult (low external reliability)
Extraneous variables: limits ability to measure impact of the IV

Question 4

What is a Structured observation?

Answer 4

Watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment eg. where some variables are managed.

Question 5

What are strengths of a structured observations?

Answer 5

Simple to carry out

Quantitative data which can be statistically analysed

High external reliability - easy to repeat and be used by other researchers

Question 6

What are limitations of a structured observation?

Answer 6

Gives a restricted view of what is happening so researchers may miss key details

Question 7

What are covert observations?

Answer 7

Observation that takes place without the participant being aware. For example, participants may be observed from across a street.

Question 8

What are strengths of covert observations?

Answer 8

No demand characteristics/participant reactivity as participants are unaware

High external validity - natural behaviour in a natural environment

Question 9

What are limitations of covert observations?

Answer 9

Ethically questionable - issue of informed consent

Question 10

What is an overt observation?

Answer 10

Participants give their informed consent for their behaviour to be observed and recorded.

Question 11

What is a strength of an overt observation?

Answer 11

Ethically sound

Question 12

What are some limitations of overt observations?

Answer 12

Lacks validity due to demand characteristics - participants are aware they are being watched (social desirability bias)

Question 13

What is a participant observation?

Answer 13

The researcher joins the group they are studying, in order to gain more first hand data.

Question 14

What is a strength of participant observation?

Answer 14

Highly valid - experience the behaviour first hand with no demand characteristics

Question 15

What is a limitation of participant observation?

Answer 15

Ethically questionable - the researcher may be in too deep and risk ‘going native’ meaning they lose objectivity.

Question 16

What is a non-participant observation?

Answer 16

The researcher remains separate from the group they are studying, as it is not always practical or possible to join the group. For example, an Ofsted inspector observing a Year 10 class.

Question 17

What is a strength of a non-participant observation?

Answer 17

Allows the researcher to maintain an objective distance from their participant.

Question 18

What is a limitation of a non-participant observation?

Answer 18

Validity may be low due to demand characteristics.