Observations

Question 1

What is a natural observation?

Answer 1

• High ecological validity
• no manipulation of an IV
• no control over extraneous variables

Question 2

What is a structured observation?

Answer 2

• higher level of control over extraneous variables than in a natural observation
• ppts May be brought to an artificial setting and so ppts would know they are being observed which lowers validity (ecological)

Question 3

What is participant observation?

Answer 3

• high ecological validity as no stranger is present and it is done in natural setting
• researcher is involved so is easy to know ppts behaviour
• rich qualitative data
• trust between researcher and ppts but may become emotionally attached
• presence of observer may change group dynamics

Question 4

What is a non participant observation?

Answer 4

• ppt is unaware so behaviour is true to real life
• observer more objective as less likely to become emotionally attached
• observer records data straight away so is more reliable in terms of memory
• behaviours May be unclear from a distance
• no trust formed

Question 5

What is an overt observation?

Answer 5

• fewer ethical issues as ppt is aware of observation and gives consent
• trust is formed
• ppt may change behaviour (demand characteristics)

Question 6

What is a covert observation?

Answer 6

• ppt doesn’t know they are being observed so less demand characteristics and more natural behaviour
• ethical issues as no consent given
• ppt may distrust the observer when they discover they are being observed

Question 7

What is time sampling?

Answer 7

Make a tally during a chosen time interval. Researcher decides on a time and records what behaviour is occurring at that time. However, some behaviours may be missed and so it may not be representative.

Question 8

What is event sampling?

Answer 8

Researcher records an event every time it occurs. Behaviours shouldn’t be missed but if too many happen at once it may be difficult to record them all.

Question 9

What is an example of a naturalistic observation?

Answer 9

Grady et al 2012 
Looked at parents dropping children off at preschool to see effect of lingering on child
46 parents
3-5yr olds 
USA
Two observers