Types of Observations Flashcards
1
Q
What are the strengths of observations?
A
- High validity as participants behave as they would normally
- Captures spontaneity
- Measures the DV
2
Q
What are the weaknesses of observations?
A
- Observer bias (what people observe is distorted by what they want to see)
- Emotions/thoughts are not recorded
3
Q
What are the 6 types of observation?
A
- Naturalistic
- Controlled
- Covert
- Overt
- Participant
- Non-participant
4
Q
What is a naturalistic observation? What are its strength and weakness?
A
- Carried out in an everyday setting without investigator interference
- Strong as it is a realistic picture of spontaneous behaviour
- Weak as there is little control over extraneous variables
5
Q
What is a controlled observation? What are its strength and weakness?
A
- Behaviour is observed under researcher-controlled conditions
- Strong as observer can focus on particular behavioural aspects
- Weak as the unnatural environment may impact participant behaviour
6
Q
What is a covert observation? What are its strength and weakness?
A
- Observing people without them knowing so their behaviour is unaltered
- Strong as people are unawarte of observation so their natural behaviour is recorded
- Weak as it is unethical due to lack of consent
7
Q
What is an overt observation? What are its strength and weakness?
A
- Participants are aware their behaviour is being studied
- Strong as participants can consent
- Weak as behaviour is altered when participants know they are being observed
8
Q
What is a participant observation? What are its strength and its weaknesses?
A
- Observations are made by an experiment participant
- Strong as special insights into behaviour may be gained that otherwise may not be
- Weak as participants are often aware of the observer
- Also weak as attachments may be established, lessening the objectivity
9
Q
What is a non-participant observation? What are its strength and weakness?
A
- Observer is separate from the observed participants
- Strong as it is highly objective
- Weak as it may cause ethical issues if not overt
