Observations Flashcards
What is the thing to remember when revising observations?
They come in pairs.
x OR y
What is naturalistic observation paired with?
Controlled observation.
What is naturalistic observation?
3.
Studied in a natural setting.
Everything is left as it would be normally.
No interference from investigator.
What is controlled observation?
3.
Some variables are controlled by the researcher.
Ppts know they are being studied.
Usually conducted in lab setting.
What are 2 strengths of naturalistic observations?
No demand characteristics.
Loads of ecological validity.
What are two limitations of naturalistic observations?
Lower internal validity.
bc
Confounding variables.
What are two strengths of controlled observations?
High internal validity.
bc
Less confounding variables.
What are two limitations of controlled observations?
Demand characteristics
Not as much ecological validity.
What are overt observations?
When the ppts are aware of the observation.
What is one limitation of an overt observation?
Demand characteristics.
What are overt observations paired with?
Covert observations.
What are covert observations?
When the ppts are not aware of the observation.
What are two advantages to covert observations?
Less likely to get demand characteristics.
High ecological validity.
What is participant observation?
2.
Observer joins the group (unbeknown to the group).
Behaviour studied from the inside.
What is one advantage to participant observation?
Understanding of the behaviour.
What is one disadvantage to participant observation?
Observer effect (a stranger has joined the group).
What is participant observation paired with?
Non-participant observation.
What is non-participant observation?
Observer watch from a distance and does not interact with the people being studies.
What is one disadvantage to non-participant observation?
Less understanding of the behaviour.
What is one advantage to non-participant observation?
No observer effect (no stranger has joined the group).
What is a structured observation?
An organised observation, where behavioural categories and sampling procedures are used.
What is an advantage to structured observations?
Quicker (meaning more accurate because less time spent writing etc).
What is strutted observations paired with?
Unstructured observation.
What is a disadvantage to unstructured observations?
Slower and may miss behaviours.
What is an advantage to unstructured observations?
Much more detail.
