Qualitative Primary Methods: Observation Strengths and Weaknesses with applied Studies Flashcards
What did Parke and Griffiths study?
Gambling
What form of observation did Parke and Griffiths choose?
Non-participant observation
How was objectivity a strength in Parke and Griffiths’ study? Is it P, E or T?
Because they never interacted with the participants, they were more likely to stay objective. This is a Theoretical Strength
Why was the Hawthorne Effect a weakness in Parke and Griffiths’ study? Is it P, E or T?
If the Gamblers saw Parke and Griffiths observing them, their behaviours would likely change. This is a Theoretical Weakness
Why was being in the natural environment of who Parke and Griffiths were observing a strength? Is it P, E or T?
It meant the researchers could see how participants usually behaved in the area. This is a Theoretical Strength
Why was recording the data a weakness for Parke and Griffiths? Is it P, E or T?
As it was covert research, they could not be seen to constantly be taking notes. This is a Practical Weakness
How was validity a weakness in Parke and Griffiths’ study?
If they were only observing participants without getting to know them better, they would have had less valuable observations. This is a Theoretical Weakness
What did Francis study?
The behaviour of pupils in a classroom
What form of observation did Francis choose?
Covert observation
How was objectivity a strength in Francis’ study? Is it P, E or T?
Because they only interacted with participants after their classes had ended, they were more likely to remain objective. This is a Theoretical Strength
How was quantitative data a strength in Francis’ study? Is it P, E or T?
It could help to reveal patterns of behaviour among participants. It is a Theoretical Strength
How was time a strength in Francis’ study? Is it P, E or T?
Because observations were only carried out in lessons, they only lasted for the duration of this time. This is a practical strength
How was the Hawthorne effect a weakness in Francis’ study? Is it P, E or T?
As students were told about Francis’ purpose of being in the classroom, students could have altered their behaviour. This is a Theoretical Weakness
Why could access have been a weakness in Francis’ study? Is it P, E or T?
As Francis did this in a school, there was a chance they could not have gained access to their participants. This is a practical weakness
What did Lacey study?
The underachievement of working class boys in grammar schools
What form of observation did Lacey choose?
Covert Participant Observation
How could access have possibly been a weakness for Lacey? Is it P, E or T?
Because he was trying to research school students, he could have been denied access. This is a Practical Weakness
How was reliability a weakness in Lacey’s study? Is it P, E or T?
All observations were different as Lacey interacted with the whole school. This is a Theoretical Weakness
How was standardisation a weakness in Lacey’s study? Is it P, E or T?
As all interactions were different, he would not be able to follow a clear pattern of questions to ask. This is a Theoretical Weakness
How was observing in participants’ natural environment a strength in Lacey’s study? Is it P, E or T?
Because he was at the school the participants went to, they would act how they usually did. This is a Theoretical Strength
How was time a weakness in Lacey’s study? Is it P, E or T?
Lacey spent months doing this research. This is a Practical Weakness.
