Research Methods Y1 - Observational Techniques Flashcards
What is the definition of naturalistic observation?
Watching and recording behavior in the setting within which it would normally occur.
Evaluation of naturalistic observation?
P: Naturalistic observations tend to have high external validity.
E: This is because the behavior is studied in the environment where it would naturally occur.
E: For example, observing children interacting in a playground can provide insights that are generalizable to real-life settings.
L: However, the lack of control over extraneous variables makes it difficult to replicate the findings reliably.
What is the definition of controlled observation?
Watching and recording behavior within a structured environment, i.e., one where some variables are managed.
Evaluation of controlled observation?
P: Controlled observations offer more control over variables.
E: For instance, Mary Ainsworth’s Strange Situation study used a structured lab setting to observe mother-child interactions under standardized conditions.
E: This control helps reduce the influence of extraneous variables, improving internal validity.
L: However, findings from controlled environments may lack ecological validity, as they do not always reflect natural behavior.
What is the definition of covert observation?
Participants’ behavior is watched and recorded without their knowledge or consent.
Evaluation of covert observation?
P: Covert observations reduce participant reactivity.
E: The participants are unaware they are being observed, so their behavior is more likely to be natural.
E: This increases the validity of the data gathered.
L: However, ethical concerns arise because participants cannot give informed consent, raising issues of privacy.
What is the definition of overt observation?
Participants’ behavior is watched and recorded with their knowledge and consent.
Evaluation of overt observation?
P: Overt observations are ethically acceptable.
E: Participants are aware of the observation and can provide informed consent.
E: This transparency avoids ethical issues like deception.
L: However, the awareness of being observed may lead to demand characteristics, reducing the validity of the behavior recorded.
What is the definition of participant observation?
The researcher becomes a member of the group whose behavior he/she is watching and recording.
Evaluation of participant observation?
P: Participant observations provide greater insight into behavior.
E: For example, joining a workplace allows the researcher to gain a first-hand understanding of group dynamics.
E: This increases the depth of understanding of the behavior being studied.
L: However, the researcher may lose objectivity due to becoming too involved in the group, reducing the validity of the findings.
What is the definition of non-participant observation?
The researcher remains outside of the group whose behavior he/she is watching and recording.
Evaluation of non-participant observation?
P: Non-participant observations maintain objectivity.
E: The researcher observes from an outsider’s perspective without influencing the group dynamics.
E: This helps produce unbiased and reliable data.
L: However, the researcher may lack a deep understanding of the group’s behavior compared to participant observation, limiting insight.
What is observation as a method in psychology?
Observation is a non-experimental method used to study people’s behavior without having to ask them. It allows psychologists to observe observable behavior in natural or controlled settings.
What is the purpose of observational methods in psychology?
Observational methods allow researchers to study complex interactions between variables in a more natural way and are often used within an experiment to assess the dependent variable.
Why might a researcher choose naturalistic observation over controlled observation?
Naturalistic observation provides a better study of “interaction” in the environment where behavior naturally takes place, enhancing ecological validity.
