Research Methods : Observations Flashcards
What are observations ?
Non experimental methods that provide psychologists with a way of seeing what people do without having to ask them and allow them to study observable behaviour
What do observations not have ?
They are not the same
as experiments
What do observations not have ?
They don’t have an independent variable
What are naturalistic observations ?
Watching and recording behaviour in the setting within which it would normally occur in
What is a controlled observation ?
Watching a recording behaviour within a structured environment ie one where some variables are managed
What is a covert observation
Participants behaviour is watched and recorded without their knowledge and consent
What is an overt observation
Partcipants behbaiour is watched and recorded with their knowledge and consent
What is participants observation?
The researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour he/she is watching and recording
What is non- participants observation ?
The researcher remains outside of the group whose behaviour he/she is watching and recording
Internal validity of naturalistic observations?
Low as extraneous variables occur making it difficult to judge. Any pattern of behaviour
Internal validity of controlled observation?
High as extraneous variables are less of a factor so patterns of behaviour can be judged more easily
Internal validity of covert observation ?
High as partcipants do not know that they are being watched so act more naturally
Internal validity of overt observation?
Low as participants know that they are being watched so are more likely to not act naturally
Internal validity of of participant
High as increased insight into what is going on
Internal validity of non participant organisation
Low as removal from group means you lose valuable insight into far removed from group itself
External validity of naturalistic observations
High as behaviour is studied in environment that would usually occur so can be generalised to everyday life
External validity of controlled observation
Low external validity as behaviour is studied in an artificial environment so cannot be applied to real life settings
Ethical issues of covert observation
Present as the participants do not know they are being watched and their behaviour is recorded
Ethical issues of overt observation
Low since participants know that they are being watched
Reliability of naturalistic observations
Low as lack of control makes replication difficult
Reliability of controlled observation
High as control over situation makes replication easier
Demand characteristics of naturalistic observations
Low as as participants are less likely to guess the aim of study if it is taking part in natural environment so less clues
Demand characteristics of controlled observation
High as more likely to guess the aim as the situation is more artificial
Demand characteristics of covert observation
Low because participants do not know they are being studied so are not going to be aware that there is an aim
Demand characteristics of overt observation
High as participants know that they are being watched therefore can alter their behaviour based on clues or wanting to give an impression
Objectivity of participants observation
Low objectivity as researcher could become so involved with the group they could forget their role
Objectivity of non participants observation
High researcher is not part of the group therefore will remain opinion free
