Types of Observation

Question 1

What is a naturalistic observation?

Answer 1

Behaviour is observed in an everyday setting in which the target behaviour would normally occur.

Question 2

What is a controlled observation?

Answer 2

Behaviour is observed under controlled conditions where certain variables have been regulated by the researcher

Question 3

What is a covert observation?

Answer 3

Observing people without their knowledge or consent

Question 4

What is a covert observation?

Answer 4

Observing people with their knowledge and consent

Question 5

What is a participant observation?

Answer 5

Observations made by someone who is also participating in the activity being observed

Question 6

What is a non-participant observation?

Answer 6

The observer is separate from the people being observed

Question 7

What is the strength of a naturalistic observation?

Answer 7

• High ecological validity- gives a realistic picture of spontaneous behaviour as the behaviour is being observed in a context where it would normally occur

Question 8

What are the two limitations of a naturalistic observation?

Answer 8

• Little control over extraneous variables
• Difficult to replicate

Question 9

What are the two strengths of a controlled observation?

Answer 9

• Easy to replicate
• Can focus on particular aspects of behaviour

Question 10

is the limitation of a controlled observation?

Answer 10

• Low ecological validity- findings cannot be as easily applied to real-life settings

Question 11

What is strength of a covert observation?

Answer 11

• Reduces likelihood of demand characteristics: increases validity of results

Question 12

What is the limitation of a covert observation?

Answer 12

• Ethical issues- cannot give consent

Question 13

What is the strength of a overt observation?

Answer 13

• More ethically acceptable

Question 14

What is the limitation of a overt observation?

Answer 14

• Demand characteristics: participants are aware they are being studied and so may change behaviour  reduces validity of results

Question 15

What is the strength of a participant observation?

Answer 15

• Increased insight from the ‘inside’ into the lives of people being studied that may not otherwise have been gained

Question 16

What is the limitation of a participant observation?

Answer 16

• Researcher may closely identify with those they are observing and lose objectivity= going ‘native’ when the line between being a researcher and being a participant becomes blurred.

Question 17

What is the strength of a non-participant observation?

Answer 17

• More objective as not part of the group they are observing

Question 18

What is the limitation of a non-participant observation?

Answer 18

• May lose insight to be gained as they are too far removed from the people they are studying

Question 19

When does a naturalistic observation have high ecological validity?

Answer 19

only when covert

Question 20

How can you find consent for a covert observation?

Answer 20

retrospective consent- seek consent after the observation