Types of observations

Question 1

what does making an observation include ?

Answer 1

• it involves watching + recording behaviour

Question 2

what type are most observations ?

Answer 2

• most are naturalistic (occur in a real world setting) but they can also occur under controlled conditions

Question 3

Describe the features of a naturalistic observation

Answer 3

• takes place in a setting or context where the target behaviour would usually occur
• occurs in a natural environment

Question 4

strengths of naturalistic experiment

Answer 4

• high external / ecological validity
• findings can be generalised to everyday life

Question 5

imitations of naturalistic experiment

Answer 5

• lack of control over research makes replication difficult
• many uncontrolled confounding variables
  makes it difficult to judge patterns of behaviour
• ## existence of extraneous variables

Question 6

describe the features of a controlled observation

Answer 6

• takes place in a highly controlled lab setting where behaviours are observed and recorded

Question 7

strengths of a controlled observation

Answer 7

• replication is easier
• some control over variables as variables are able to be manipulated

Question 8

limitations of a controlled experiment

Answer 8

• findings cannot be generalised to everyday life
• low mundane realism
• demand characteristics

Question 9

describe the features of a covert observation

Answer 9

• ps are unaware that they are the focus of the study
• behaviour is observed in secret

Question 10

strengths of covert observations

Answer 10

• removes problem of demand characteristics
• increases internal validity

Question 11

limitations of covert observations

Answer 11

• unethical due to lack of consent
• observer bias

Question 12

features of overt observations

Answer 12

• ps know their behaviour is being observed

Question 13

strengths of overt observations

Answer 13

• ethical
  as ps have given their informed consent

Question 14

limitations of covert observations

Answer 14

• knowledge that they are being observed may make them act a certain way
• observer bias

Question 15

features of participant observations

Answer 15

• observer becomes part of the group they are studying

Question 16

strengths of participant observations

Answer 16

• researchers have an increased insight into the lives of the people that are being studied
  which increases external validity of the findings

Question 17

limitations of participant observations

Answer 17

• researchers may lose objectivity as they become too involved
• findings then lack objectivity

Question 18

features of non-participant observations ?

Answer 18

• researcher remains separate from those they are studying

Question 19

strengths of non-participant observations

Answer 19

• allow researcher to maintain an objective psychological distance from their ps

Question 20

limitations of non-participant observations

Answer 20

• may lose valuable insight of being a participant