observations Flashcards
what is an observation
a non experimental technique, researcher watches and records natural behaviour of ppts without manipulating the IV
what is a controlled observation
- aspects of environment are controlled, often conducted in a lab so ppt get the same experience.
- control over extraneous variables.
strength of controlled observation
- controlling the environment and giving the same experience reduces the likeyhood that extraneous variables are responsible for observed beh
- results are likely to be reliable as same standardised procedures are used
weakness of controlled observation
- artifical environmet giving rise to unatural beh so limits generalisability to real world
- low external validity
what is a naturalistic observation
observations take place in settings where they would usually occur
strength of naturalistic observation
- *high external validity, results can be generlaised as observed beh occurs where it naturally would
- high realism - ppts are more likely to show naturalistic beh
weakness of naturalistic observations
- lack of control means replication difficult
- uncontrolled extraneous variables may be responsible for the behaviour observed so lower internal validity
what is an overt obs
- ppt is aware that their beh is being observed and have given their informed consent before hand
- observer is clearly visible
strength of overt obs
- ethical as informed consent is given
weakness of overt obs
- demand characteristics more likely as they are aware theyre being obs
- may change beh to appear to researcher in positive light via social desirability bias
what is a covert obs
the ppts are unaware theyre being observed
strength of covert obs
- ppts dont know thyere being watched so removes issue of *demand charactericts *and issue of soc des bias so increases the internal validity of data gathered
weakness of covert obs
ethical issues - ppt cannot consent to being observed and they are not given the right to privacy
what is a ppt obs
researcher joins the group being observed and takes part in their activities
strength of ppt obs
- reseacher can build a rapport w ppt so they behave more naturally
- researcher can experience the situation as ppt do giving them increased insight into their lives
- this *increases internal validity
weakness of ppt obs
researchers identify too strongly w ppt and may loose objectivity
termed “going native”
what is a non ppt observation
researcher is seperate from ppt and doesnt take part in group activitities
strength of non ppt obs
researcher remains objective in their interpretation of ppts beh - not going native
weakness of non ppt obs
due to lack of rapport researcher misses out on valuable insight into ppt beh, may also mean ppt dont behave naturally
what are operationalised behavioural categories
- target behaviours are broken down into components which are observable and measurable
- eg measuring aggression = number of punches
what is time sampling and give an example
recording all relevant beh at pre established time frame eg every 15 secs
strength of time sampling
- reduces the number of observations needed to be made
- more flexibility to be able to record unexpected types of beh
weakness of time sampling
- can miss beh that happens outside of recording periods
what is event sampling
researcher records every time the behaviour/event occurs
