RESEARCH METHODS - Observational Techniques

Question 1

Observation

Answer 1

when a researcher watches or listens to participants engaging in whatver behaviour is being studied

Question 2

An advantage of non-participant observation

Answer 2

it is cheaper and quicker to do than participant observation which takes time to get to know participants personally

Question 3

Non-participant observation

Answer 3

when the researcher does not get directly involved with the interactions of the participants and does not take part in their activities

Question 4

A disadvantage of non-participant observation

Answer 4

data extracted can be limited as it relies only on behaviour that is visually observed. Social behaviour is not taken into account

Question 5

Participant observation

Answer 5

when the reseacrher is directly involved with the interactions of the participants and will engage in the activities that the participants are doing

Question 6

An advantage of participant observation

Answer 6

empathy and more insight can be gained when interacting specifically with participants

Question 7

A disadvantage of participant observation

Answer 7

the researcher could lose objectivity and become subjective and biased when recording data

Question 8

Covert observation

Answer 8

the psychologist goes undercover and does not reveal their true identity, and the sample is unaware that they’re being observed

Question 9

An advantage of covert observation

Answer 9

high validity because people are being observed in their natural surroundings and there is no demand characteristics

Question 10

A disadvantage of covert observation

Answer 10

recording information is difficult because the researcher cannot openly take any notes as this would blow their cover

Question 11

Overt observation

Answer 11

the psychologist reveals their true identity and may also say they’re observing the group.

Question 12

An advantage of overt observation

Answer 12

there is not element of deception so therefore there are no ethical issues

Question 13

A disadvantage of overt observation

Answer 13

observer effects can occur as participants may change their behaviour when they know they are being observed, leading to invalid results

Question 14

Naturalistic observation

Answer 14

researcher observes participants in their own natural environment and there is no deliberate manipulation of the independant variable

Question 15

An advantage of naturalistic observation

Answer 15

NO is useful when manipulation of the IV is impossible or unethical

Question 16

A disadvantage of naturalistic observation

Answer 16

there is no control over extraneous variables meaning variables other than the IV could be affecting the DV, leading to invalid results

Question 17

Controlled observation

Answer 17

reseacrher observes participants in a controlled environment which allows for manipulation of the IV

Question 18

An advantage of controlled observation

Answer 18

cause and effect can be determined because the observation is highly controlled therefore psychologists can identify whether the IV caused a change in the DV

Question 19

A disadvantage of controlled observation

Answer 19

risk of observer bias which means the researchers own views and opinons can influence the recording of the data which then becomes inaccurate