Observations Flashcards
what is an observation?
where you monitor someones behaviour and record what you see
name the 6 types of observations?
overt,covert,participant,non-participant,structured,naturalistic
what is a covert observation?
when they don’t know they are being observed
e.g one-way mirrors, CCTV cameras
what is an overt observation?
ppts are aware that they are being observed e.g come along to be observed, you inform them before they begin
what is a participant observation?
conducted by someone who is part of the group being observed e.g you join the group
what is a non-participant observation?
conducted by someone that isn’t part of the group being observed
what is a structured observation?
researcher controls some variables-cause the situation which we are observing
what is a naturalistic observation?
behaviour studied in natural situation-everything left as it normally is
observe behaviour that is naturally occurring
what are STRENGTHS of covert observations?
- less chance of demand characteristics
- less chance of social desirability
what are WEAKNESSES of covert observations?
-high ethical issues-ppts don’t know they’re being observed-no consent
what are STRENGTHS of overt observations?
-less ethical issues as ppts know they’re being observed-can get consent
what are WEAKNESSES of overt observations?
- demand characteristics
- social desirability
what are STRENGTHS of participant observations?
-gathers more depth of detail
what are WEAKNESSES of participant observations?
- difficult to replicate
- more likely to be biased
- presence of observer-alter group’s behaviour-demand characteristics
what are STRENGTHS of non-participant observations?
-more ethical but still a question of consent
what are WEAKNESSES of non-participant observations?
presence of observer can alter group’s behaviour-demand characteristics
-gathers less depth of detail
what are STRENGTHS of structured observations?
- variables can be controlled
- high reliability
- can gain cause and effect
- quicker to conduct since we are causing behaviour
what are WEAKNESSES of structured observations?
-low ecological validity
-high in demand characteristics
more likely to cause ethical problems-responsible for what happens
what are STRENGTHS of naturalistic observations?
- high ecological validity
- reduction in demand characteristics
what are WEAKNESSES of naturalistic observations?
-low in reliability
-hard to control EV
may take more time-waiting for behaviour to occur
