Research Methods, Observation Types

Question 1

What are the types of observation?

Answer 1

• Naturalistic
• Controlled
• Covert
• Overt
• Participant
• Non-participant

Question 2

Outline naturalistic observations

Answer 2

• conducted in real world/natural
• no attempt to control environment/variables

Question 3

Pros of naturalistic observations

Answer 3

• high in internal validity, natural behaviour measured, ecological validity, more reflective of real life

Question 4

cons of naturalistic observations

Answer 4

• unreliable, cannot be repeated identically, no control
• lack of control over variables leads to extraneous variables, cause/effect/correlation

Question 5

Outline controlled observations

Answer 5

• artificial/contrived/unnatural setting
• control over key variables (strange situation example)

Question 6

pros of controlled observations

Answer 6

• high reliability, can repeat identically, control over variables
• minimise extraneous variables,
  maximum control, cause/effect, internal validity

Question 7

cons of controlled observations

Answer 7

• low in validity, artificial unnatural behaviour (internal, ecological)

Question 8

outline covert observations

Answer 8

• researcher does not reveal true identity or purpose

Question 9

pros of covert observations

Answer 9

• rules out Hawthorne effect (awareness of being studied affects behaviour, could be unconscious), demand characteristics, natural behaviour, more valid
• saves time seeking consent

Question 10

cons of covert observations

Answer 10

• unethical, deceit, right to withdraw, briefing, informed consent…
• could be dangerous to become involved, typically associated with deviance
• access, may need gatekeeper, time consuming, effort…
• going native?
• cannot take notes freely or ask naive questions, invalid, reliance on memory

Question 11

outline overt observations

Answer 11

• research reveals true identity/purpose to participants

Question 12

pros of overt observations

Answer 12

• ethical
• objective, can maintain distance and reduce risk of going native
• can take notes freely, ask naive questions, ask for clarity, valid

Question 13

cons of overt observations

Answer 13

• risk of rejection from group
• hawthorn effect, demand characteristics, artificial behaviour, invalid

Question 14

outline participant observations

Answer 14

• researched involves themselves in group they are studying

Question 15

pros of participant observations

Answer 15

• first-hand information, first-hand experience, qualitative, Verstehen high validity
• build a rapport, trusting relationship, encourage honesty,
  validity

Question 16

cons of participant observations

Answer 16

• risk of going native, lose objectivity, lack of validity, dangerous, harm
• researcher effects, influence the participants, bias, invalidity
• limited/restricted viewpoint, tunnel vision, invalidity

Question 17

outline non-participant observations

Answer 17

• researcher does not involve themselves in group they study
• remain detached, observe from outside

Question 18

pros of non participant observations

Answer 18

• do not risk going native, losing objectivity, no danger
• reduce researcher effects, less chance of bias/influence on participants, validity
• overview, more information captured, valid

Question 19

cons of non participant observations

Answer 19

• no first-hand information, lack’s versteken, reliance on inferences, invalid
• lack of rapport, lack of honesty or openness, invalidity
• overly quantitative, behavioural categories, no insight