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
