Observations Flashcards
Naturalistic observation meaning
Observing behaviour in a natural setting
ADV and DIS Naturalistic observation
ADV:
* Allows behaviour to be observed that may be unethical in a lab setting
* High internal and external validity – behaviour is more realistic
DIS:
* Difficult to replicate
* Can’t control variables that may affect p’s behaviour
Controlled observation
manipulated environment
ADV and DIS Controlled observation
ADV:
* Higher control of variables = higher applicability
DIS :
* Higher control of variables = higher replicability
Covert observation
observation undercover, p’s arent aware they are being observed
ADV and DIS Covert observation
ADV:
* Behaviour is more realistic
DIS:
* Unethical
Overt Observation
P’s are aware they are being observed
ADV and DIS Overt Observation
ADV:
* Less ethical issues raised
* Easier to record data
DIS:
* More demand characteristics
Participant Observation
Observer is a part of the observation
ADV and DIS Participant Observation
ADV:
* More depth of info
* Unique insight into behaviour
DIS:
* Researcher bias
Non participant Observation
observing from a distance
ADV and DIS Non participant Observation
ADV:
* More likely to remain objective
* Easier to record more data
DIS:
* Less in depth info
* More likely to misinterpret behaviour
Ways of structuring observations
- Time sampling – observations occur at specific time intervals
- Event sampling – Observations occur based on specific behavioural categories/ events
Behavioural categories – list of specific behaviours the observers will be focussed on
