Types of obs

Question 1

define controlled observation

Answer 1

The conditions manipulated by researcher (1)

the type of observation may be carried out in lab situation (artificial environment) (1)

Question 2

give a strength of controlled observation

Answer 2

P - High in reliability as the environment is controlled and standardised
(contextualise)

E - observation can be easily repeated to check for consistent results

L - therefore the controlled observation will gain more respect from other professionals and members of public

Question 3

Give a limitation for controlled observation

Answer 3

P - low in eco val as the observation takes place in controlled setting does not reflect real life

E - Therefore it is more difficult to G results beyond setting of obs

L - lowers external val research

Question 4

Give a second limitation for controlled obs (ppts over 10)

Answer 4

P - more prone demand characteristics

E - ppts more likely to know they are being watched (context)

L - therefore likely to change natural behaviour to help/hinder research based on clues given

Question 5

define naturalistic behaviour

Answer 5

watching natural behaviour in a natural environment for the ppt where target behaviour normally occurs (1)

no manipulation of variables (2)
eg aggression in playground

Question 6

what is a strength for naturalistic

Answer 6

P - High eco val takes place in natural setting (contextualise)

E - therefore easier to G the results (what r they researchin) beyond setting of obs to similar setting up

L - ⬆️ ext val of research

Question 7

what is another strength of naturalistic

over 10 yrs of age

Answer 7

P - less prone to dc

E - less likely to know they are being watched (what setting)
(where target behaviour normally occurs?)

L - unlikely to change behaviour less likely to help/hinder research ⬆️ internal val of r

Question 8

give a limitation of naturalistic

Answer 8

P - low in reliability being observed in natural environment

E - difficult to replicate observation in exact same conditions to achieve consistent results

P - ethical issues lack of informed consent ppl not aware being watched (contextualise) not given consent to take part

if aware may redraw data from study

Question 9

define overt observation

Answer 9

ppts are aware their behaviour is being observed, so will be aware of the purpose of the research (1)
Observer is clearly visible to participant (2)

Question 10

give a strength of overt

Answer 10

More ethically appropriate than a covert observation as participants know they are being
observed (contextualise), so the
ppts can give consent for their data to be used.

Question 11

give a limitation of overt

over 10

Answer 11

P - more probe to dc as ppts know being watched (contextualise)

E - therfore ppts change natural behaviour to help hinder research based on clues given by observer in environment

L - ⬇️ internal val

Question 12

define covert obs

Answer 12

These are observations that are conducted without the knowledge or awareness of the ppts. (1).

This can be done through an observer being hidden, use of secret cameras or from behind a two-
way mirror 📸 (2)

Question 13

give a strength of covert

over 10

Answer 13

P - less prone to dc less likely to know being watched

E - therefore they are unlikely to change their natural
behaviour, and are less likely to help or hinder the research ⬆️ the internal validity of the observation

Question 14

give a limitation of covert

Answer 14

P - ethical issues lack of informed consent and invasion of privacy

E - ppts unaware being watched and may want to redraw data used in research

Question 15

define ppts obs

Answer 15

The researcher is involved with the group (CONTEXT) (1)

Data collected whilst being part of a group or situation
e.g. (CONTEXT) joining a cult or football hooligans (2)

Question 16

give a strength of ppts obvs

Answer 16

P - observer can gain an in-depth understanding of the
group’s behaviour as they are part of the group (contextualise) and so will not miss important aspects e.g.
feelings and motivations

L - Therefore, this ⬆️ internal validity of the observation

Question 17

give a limitation of ppts obs

Answer 17

P - increased chance of r bias as observer is part of group

E - decreases the objectivity of obs as researchers own thoughts and behaviours may impact the obs

L - ⬇️ internal val of R

Question 18

define non ppt obs

Answer 18

P - reduced chance of r bias as the observer is not part of the group (contextualise)

E - This increases the objectivity of
the observation as the researcher’s own thoughts and behaviours are less likely to impact the observation and

L - therefore the overall internal validity research.

Question 19

give a limitation of of non ppt

Answer 19

P - less likely to gain in depth understanding of groups behaviour as not part of group

E - may miss important aspects eg feelings and motivations

L - therefore ⬇️ internal val of obs