research mehtods: observations Flashcards
Define a Controlled Observation (2 marks)
The conditions are manipulated by the researcher (1st
MARK). This type of observation may be carried out in
a laboratory type situation (artificial environment
CONTEXT) e.g. Ainsworth (2nd MARK)
STRENGTHS - controlled obs
High in reliability as the environment is controlled and
standardised (contextualise e.g what has been
controlled?) so the observation can be easily repeated
to check for consistent results, Therefore, the
controlled observation will gain more respect from
other professionals and members of the public.
LIMITATIONS - controlled obs
Low in ecological validity as the observation takes
place in a controlled/artificial setting (context) which
os not reflect real life. Therefore, it is more difficult
to generalise the results beyond the setting of the
observation which lowers the external validity of the
research.
ONLY USE THE TERM DEMAND CHARACTERISTICS &
HELP/HINDER IF THE PPTS ARE OVER 10 YEARS OLD.
More prone to demand characteristics as ppt are
more likely to know they are being watched (context)
therefore they are likely to change their natural
behaviour and may help or hinder the research based
on clues given.
Define a Naturalistic Observation (2 marks)
Watching natural behaviour in a natural environment for
the participant where the target behaviour would
normally occur. (1st MARK) No manipulation of variables
e.g. CONTEXT - aggression in playground (2nd MARK)
STRENGTHS - naturalistic obs
ONLY USE THE TERM DEMAND CHARACTERISTICS &
HELP/HINDER IF PPTS ARE OVER 10 YEARS OLD: Less
prone to demand characteristics as people are less likely
to know they are being watched (contextualise e.g. be
specific about what natural setting they are in, where
the target behaviour (say what it is) would normally
occur) therefore they are unlikely to change their
natural behaviour, and are less likely to help or hinder
the research increasing the internal validity of the
observation.
High ecological validity as the observation takes place in
a natural setting (contextualise e.g. what is the natural
setting) therefore it is easier to generalise the results
(contextualise e.g what are they researching?) beyond
the setting of the observation to other similar settings
increasing the external validity of the research.
LIMITATIONS - naturalistic obs
Low in reliability as they are being observed in a natural
environment (contextualise e.g. be specific about what
natural setting they are in and what is not being
controlled) therefore very difficult to replicate the
observation in the exact same conditions to achieve
consistent results.
This could create an ethical issue of lack of informed
consent as people may not be aware they are being
observed due to being observed in their natural setting
(contextualise setting) therefore have not given their
consent to take part. If they become aware they may
wish to withdraw their data from the study.
Define a overt observation (2 marks)
Participants are aware their behaviour (CONTEXT)
is being observed, so will be aware of the purpose
of the research. (1st MARK)
Observer is clearly visible to participant (2nd
MARK)
STRENGTHS - overt obs
More ethically appropriate than a covert
observation as participants know they are being
observed (contextualise e.g. how do you know the
observation is overt? Refer to scenario), so the
ppts can give consent for their data to be used.
Limitations - overt obs
ONLY USE THE TERM DEMAND CHARACTERISTICS &
HELP/HINDER IF PPTS ARE OVER 10 YEARS OLD: IF NOT
THEY WILL JUST CHANGE THEIR NATURAL BEHAVIOUR
More prone to demand characteristics as ppts are
more likely to know they are being watched
(contextualise e.g. how do you know the research is
overt? Refer to scenario) therefore ppts are likely to
change their natural behaviour and may help or hinder
the research based on clues given off by the observer
or environment. Therefore this could lower the
internal validity.
Define a covert observation (2 marks)
These are observations that are conducted without
the knowledge or awareness of the participants. (1st
MARK). This can be done through an observer being
hidden, use of secret cameras or from behind a two-
way mirror. (2nd MARK)
The observer may become part of a group to observe
behaviour, but hide the fact they are doing research
STRENGTHS - covert obs
ONLY USE THE TERM DEMAND CHARACTERISTICS &
HELP/HINDER IF PPTS ARE OVER 10 YEARS OLD: Less
prone to demand characteristics as people are less likely
to know they are being watched (contextualise e.g. how
do you know the research is covert? Refer to scenario)
therefore they are unlikely to change their natural
behaviour, and are less likely to help or hinder the
research increasing the internal validity of the observation
Limitations - covert obs
Participants are unaware they are being studied
(contextualise e.g. how do you know the research is
covert?) raising ethical issues such as lack of
informed consent and invasion of privacy that would
need to be resolved. When ppts are informed they
may become upset and choose to withdraw their
data.
Define a participant observation (2 marks)
the researcher is involved with the group (CONTEXT) (1
mark)
Data collected whilst being part of a group or situation
e.g. (CONTEXT) joining a cult or football hooligans (2nd
mark)
STRENGTH - participant obs
The observer can gain an in-depth understanding of the
group’s behaviour as they are part of the group
(contextualise e.g. how do you know? Refer to the
scenario) and so will not miss important aspects e.g.
feelings and motivations (contextualise here too if you
can to what specific behavior they are observing).
Therefore, this increases the overall internal validity of
the observation
LIMITATION - participant obs
There is increased chance of researcher bias as the
observer is part of the group (contextualise how you
know by referring to the scenario). This decreases the
objectivity of the observation as the researcher’s own
thoughts and behaviours may impact the observation
and therefore lower the internal validity research.
