Observations (Pros + Cons)

Question 1

Naturalistic Observations Pros

Answer 1

• Participants in their normal environment so are more likely to react in realistic ways
• Participants are less likely to be aware that they are being observed so are more likely to react in a genuine way
• Reactions can be observed within a complete and complex social setting
• Useful for obtaining observations in situations where intervention would be unethical or when cooperation would be unlikely

Question 2

Naturalistic Observations Cons

Answer 2

• Extraneous variables can rarely be controlled so represent a considerable threat to validity
• It may be difficult to ensure reliability of data collection as recording equipment would be obvious, as would overt note-taking by observers (although this can be overcome with concealed videos)

Question 3

Controlled Observations Pros

Answer 3

• Data recording is likely to be reliable as equipment can be used and researchers can be obvious
• As extraneous variables can be controlled, validity can be high compared to naturalistic observations
• Compared to experiments, a greater range of behaviours may be explored

Question 4

Controlled Observations Cons

Answer 4

• Participants are in an unfamiliar environment so may react differently from how they would normally
• Participants will be aware that they are in an artificial situation (even if they are unaware of the real reason for being there) so their responses may not reflect what they would normally do
• The social situation is limited so cannot completely represent the reality of a complex social setting

Question 5

Participant Observations Pros

Answer 5

• ## Being involved in the social group can give the observer insight into the real participants’ emotions an motives