types of observation Flashcards
observations
An observation is a non-experimental method, it does not fit the criteria required in order to be an experiment, because no IV is manipulated.
Gives the advantage of being able to study naturally occurring behaviour, and therefore has high ecological validity. However you cannot draw conclusions about cause and effect.
Observation involves the careful watching and recording of behaviour.
One reason why this method may be used is because it records what people actually do, not what they say they do.
naturalistic observation
A natural setting for participants.
Setting where that behaviour would usually occur.
High in ecological validity - can be generalised to everyday life.
Hard to replicate due to lack of control over observation.
controlled observation
Structured environment
An example would be Ainsworth’s Strange Situation.
Easy to replicate as it is highly controlled.
Low ecological validity - hard to generalise findings.
overt observation
Open - in plain sight.
Participants know that their behaviour is being watched and recorded.
Ethically acceptable as participants know they are being watched - there is no lying.
Participants might change their behaviour because they know they are being watched - demand characteristics.
covert observation
Closed or hidden.
Participants are unaware that they are being watched
Participants won’t change behaviour as they don’t know they are being watched.
May be considered unethical.
participant observation
The researcher becomes involved in the group they are studying to gain a deeper understanding.
E.g. in Zimbardo’s study he took on the role of prison warden.
Increased insight into people’s lives - increases validity.
Researchers lose objectivity - it is no longer scientific. This is because the line between researcher and participant becomes blurred.
non-participant observation
The researcher is not involved in the group they are studying.
Objective.
Lose valuable insight.
strengths and limitations of observations
Captures what people actually do rather than what they say they do.
Observer bias
Cannot demonstrate causal relationships.
