Research methods - Observations, Questionnaires and Interviews

Question 1

Participant observations: advantages

Answer 1

• the researcher develops a relationship with the group under study, so they can regain a greater understanding of the group’s behaviour

Question 2

Participant observations: disadvantages

Answer 2

• the researcher loses objectivity by becoming part of the group
• the participants may act differently if they know a researcher is among them

Question 3

Non-participant observation: advantages

Answer 3

• the researcher can remain objective throughout the study

Question 4

Non-participant observation: disadvantages

Answer 4

• the researcher loses and sense of the group dynamics by staying separate from the group

Question 5

Structured observations: advantages

Answer 5

• it’s easier to gather relevant data because you already know what you’re looking for

Question 6

Structured observations: disadvantages

Answer 6

• interesting behaviours could go unrecorded because they haven’t been pre-defined as important

Question 7

Overt observations: advantages

Answer 7

• they are much more ethically sound than other methods because the participants are aware of the research

Question 8

Overt observations: disadvantages

Answer 8

• people might change their behaviour if they know they’re being observed

Question 9

Covert observations: advantages

Answer 9

• the participants are much more likely to behave naturally

Question 10

Covert observations: disadvantages

Answer 10

• gaining ethical approval may be difficult

Question 11

Controlled observations: advantages

Answer 11

• because the study is highly controlled, it is possible to replicate it to check the results are reliable
• a controlled environment means that extraneous variables can be controlled, so it becomes possible for cause and effect to be established

Question 12

Controlled observations: disadvantages

Answer 12

• they will have lower ecological validity than naturalistic observations
• participants may alter their behaviour if they know they’re being observed

Question 13

Naturalistic observation

Answer 13

• recording data
• categorising behaviour
• rating behaviour
• sampling behaviour
• inter-observer reliability

Question 14

Questionnaires need to be designed carefully

Answer 14

1. Type of data: qualitative/quantitative
   a) open questions
   b) closed questions
2. Ambiguity
3. Double-barrelled questions
4. Leading questions
5. Complexity