Types of observation Flashcards
What is covert observation?
Participants don’t know there being observed
Covert strengths
High validity don’t know their being watched = increase accuracy of results
Covert limitations
Ethical issues deception & invasion of privacy don’t know their being watched
What is overt observation?
Participants know their being observed
Overt strengths
Ethically acceptable consent given
What is participant observation?
Researcher involved with people they are observing
Overt limitation
Know their being watched affects validity + social desirability
Participant strengths
Higher validity researcher is doing it so more insight into behaviour . Researcher may build report
Participant limitations
Researcher doesn’t remain objective . Researcher & participant may be blurred
What is non-participant observation ?
Researcher remains separate from the person they are observing
Non-participant strength
Remains objective because keeps distance between participant
Non-participant limitation
Less insight because distance maintained. Due to lack of trust
