RESEARCH METHODS: Observational techniques

Question 1

overt observation

Answer 1

Overt observations refer to the researcher being open about their intentions in the field and ensuring all members of the social group are aware of what is happening.

Question 2

covert observation

Answer 2

Covert observations involve the researcher not informing members of the group the reason for their presence; keeping their true intentions secret

Question 3

time sampling

Answer 3

the observer decides in advance that observation will take place only during specified time periods (e.g. 10 minutes every hour, 1 hour per day) and records the occurrence of the specified behavior during that period only.

Question 4

event sampling

Answer 4

the observer decides in advance what types of behavior (events) she is interested in and records all occurrences. All other types of behavior are ignored.

Question 5

controlled observation

Answer 5

controlled observations (usually a structured observation) are likely to be carried out in a psychology laboratory.

Question 6

naturalistic observation

Answer 6

Naturalistic observation (i.e. unstructured observation) involves studying the spontaneous behavior of participants in natural surroundings. The researcher simply records what they see in whatever way they can

Question 7

participant observation

Answer 7

Participant observation is a variant of the above (natural observations) but here the researcher joins in and becomes part of the group they are studying to get a deeper insight into their lives.

Question 8

overt observation advantage and disadvantage

Answer 8

1. no ethical implications

2. demand characteristics

Question 9

covert observation advanatage and disadvantage

Answer 9

1. demand characterisitcs

2. ethical implications

Question 10

naturalistc observation advanatage and disadvantage

Answer 10

1. high ecological validity
2. Natural observations are less reliable as other variables cannot be controlled. This makes it difficult for another researcher to repeat the study in exactly the same way.

Question 11

controlled observation advanatage and disadvantage

Answer 11

1. high reliability and replicability

2. low ecological validity