Types of observations Flashcards
what does making an observation include ?
- it involves watching + recording behaviour
what type are most observations ?
- most are naturalistic (occur in a real world setting) but they can also occur under controlled conditions
Describe the features of a naturalistic observation
- takes place in a setting or context where the target behaviour would usually occur
- occurs in a natural environment
strengths of naturalistic experiment
- high external / ecological validity
- findings can be generalised to everyday life
imitations of naturalistic experiment
- lack of control over research makes replication difficult
- many uncontrolled confounding variables
makes it difficult to judge patterns of behaviour - ## existence of extraneous variables
describe the features of a controlled observation
- takes place in a highly controlled lab setting where behaviours are observed and recorded
strengths of a controlled observation
- replication is easier
- some control over variables as variables are able to be manipulated
limitations of a controlled experiment
- findings cannot be generalised to everyday life
- low mundane realism
- demand characteristics
describe the features of a covert observation
- ps are unaware that they are the focus of the study
- behaviour is observed in secret
strengths of covert observations
- removes problem of demand characteristics
- increases internal validity
limitations of covert observations
- unethical due to lack of consent
- observer bias
features of overt observations
- ps know their behaviour is being observed
strengths of overt observations
- ethical
as ps have given their informed consent
limitations of covert observations
- knowledge that they are being observed may make them act a certain way
- observer bias
features of participant observations
- observer becomes part of the group they are studying
strengths of participant observations
- researchers have an increased insight into the lives of the people that are being studied
which increases external validity of the findings
limitations of participant observations
- researchers may lose objectivity as they become too involved
- findings then lack objectivity
features of non-participant observations ?
- researcher remains separate from those they are studying
strengths of non-participant observations
- allow researcher to maintain an objective psychological distance from their ps
limitations of non-participant observations
- may lose valuable insight of being a participant
