Observations Flashcards
What is naturalistic observation
- Takes place in a real-life setting with no interference.
- Aims is to observe behaviour in its most authentic form
Strengths of a naturalistic observation (A03)
- High ecological validity (appliance to real world situations)
- Behaviour is more likely to be natural and realistic a taken in observee’s own environment.
Weakness of naturalistic observation (A03)
- Lack of control over extraneous variables
- Harder to replicate
- Reliability low as observers may have different conclusions about the observed if not a clear coding system in place.
What is structured observation
- Takes place in a structured setting where some variables are managed.
Strengths of a structured observation (A03)
- Generate quantitive data
- Reliable as situations and behaviours clearly defined
- High predictive validity - can predict how something will turn out based on the results of the observation
Weakness of structured observation (A03)
- Can be too artificial and therefore low in ecological validity
- Behaviour less natural, possible demand charcs
Covert observation
- Participants do not know they are being observed.
Strengths of covert observation (A03)
- High validity as have less social desirability and demand charcs
- Behaviour natural
Weakness of covert observation (A03)
- Practical issues of observer having to hide and disguise role
- Ethics no informed consent
- Difficult to record data discreetly
Overt observation
- Participants know they are being observed.
Strengths of overt observation (A03)
- More ethically sound (consent is given)
- Easier to take notes
Weakness of overt observation (A03)
- Increased risk of social desirability and demand characteristics. They are also lower in validity.
Participant observations
- The researcher joins in with the group being observed.
Strengths of participant observation (A03)
- High ecological validity
- Useful for seeing deeper contexts
Weakness of participant observation (A03)
- Participant observers may be biased if they become involved in the social situation they are observing
Non-participant observation
- The researcher observes from a distance, not taking part.
Strengths of non-participant observation (A03)
- easier to conduct as the observer can concentrate exclusively on the behaviours of interest.
- It is also easier for the observer to remain objective
Weakness of non-participant observation (A03)
- Limited insight
- Harder to build rapport
- Reduced validity - studying from a distance may lead to misinterpret of actions or context
Time sampling
- recording behaviour at fixed time intervals (e.g., every 30 seconds).
Strengths of time sampling A03
- More manageable – Less data to record and analyse.
- Reduces observer fatigue, improving accuracy over time.
Weakness of time sampling A03
- May miss important behaviours that occur between time intervals, lowering validity.
Event sampling
- Recording every time a specific behaviour or event occurs during the observation period.
Strength of event sampling A03
- Useful for capturing infrequent behaviours.
- Provides a more complete record of key events.
Weakness of event sampling A03
- Can be hard to record everything accurately if events happen too frequently.
- Observer may miss some behaviours if overloaded.
