Types of observation Flashcards
Define a naturalistic observation
Behaviour is observed in an everyday setting in which the target behaviour would normally occur.
Define controlled observation
Behaviour is observed under controlled conditions where certain variables have been regulated by the researcher.
Define covert observation
Observing people without their knowledge or consent.
Define overt observation
Observing people with their knowledge and cosnent.
Define participant observation
Researcher becomes a member of the group they are observing
Define non-participant observation
The researcher remains outside of the group they are watching.
State of advantage of using a naturalistic obsevation
High ecological validity (only in covert)- gives realistic picture of behaviour as it’s being observed in a context where it normally would occur.
State two disadvantages of using a naturalistic observation
- hard to replace
- uncontrolled extraneous variables
State two advantages of using a controlled observation
- easy to replicate
- can focus on particular aspects of behaviour
State one disadvantage of using a controlled observation
Low ecological validity- findings can’t be easily applied to real-life settings.
State one advantage of using a covert observation
Reduces likelihood of demand characteristics- increases validity of results.
State one disadvantage of using a covert observation
Ethical issues- cannot get informed consent prior to observation
State one advantage of using an overt observation
More ethically acceptable
State one disadvantage of using an overt observation
Demand characteristics
State one advantage of using participant observations
Increased insight from the inside into the lives being studied and so may not have otherwise been gained
State one disadvantage of using participant observations
Researcher may closely identify with those they’re observing and lose objectivity (going native)
State one advantage of using non-participant observations
More likely to be objective as not part of the group they are observing
State one disadvantage of using non-participant observations
May lose the valuable insight gained and too far removed from the people and behaviour they are studying
What is meant by the term going native
The line between participants and research becomes blurred
