Types of Observations/ Observational Techniques

Question 1

How many types of observational techniques are there? What are the names of each of these observational techniques?

Answer 1

There are 8 observational techniques:
1. Naturalistic observations
2. Controlled observations
3. Covert observations
4. Overt observations
5. Participant observations
6. Non - participant observations
7. Structured observations
8. Unstructured observations

Question 2

What is a naturalistic observation?

Answer 2

A naturalistic observation takes place in natural settings where the target behaviour would usually occur

Question 3

What is a strength of naturalistic observations? (high external validity)

Answer 3

Naturalistic observations tend to have high external validity as findings can often be generalised to everyday life, as the behaviour is studied within the environment where it would normally occur

Question 4

What is a limitation of naturalistic observations? (uncontrol)

Answer 4

Naturalistic observations lack control over the research situations making replication of the investigation difficult. Additionally there may also be many uncontrolled extraneous variables that make it more difficult to judge any pattern of behaviour

Question 5

What is a controlled observation?

Answer 5

A controlled observation is an observation where behaviour is recorded and observed in a structured environment

Question 5

What is a limitation of controlled observations? (real life applications)

Answer 5

Controlled observations can produce findings that cannot be readily applied to real - life settings

Question 6

What is a strength of controlled observations? (extraneous variables)

Answer 6

Controlled observations have less problems with extraneous variables as a result replication of the observation becomes easier

Question 7

What is a covert observation?

Answer 7

Covert observations involve participants who are unaware of being observed. Their behaviour is observed in secret

Question 7

What is a strength of covert observations? (increased levels of validity)

Answer 7

Covert observations have increased levels of validity for the data gathered. This is because the participants do not know they are being watched, so participant reactivity is removed and any behaviour observed is ensured to be natural

Question 8

What is a limitation of covert observations? (ethics)

Answer 8

Covert observations are ethically questionable because most people would not want to observed without knowing

Question 9

What is a overt observation?

Answer 9

Overt observations involve participants who are aware they are being observed and have given their informed consent beforehand

Question 10

What is a limitation of overt observation? (demand characteristics)

Answer 10

Overt observations have participants that know they are being observed as a result participant behaviour may be significantly influence, introducing demand characteristics

Question 10

What is a strength of overt observation? (ethic)

Answer 10

Overt observations are more ethically acceptable as participants have the knowledge that they are being observed

Question 11

What is a strength of participant observation? (validity)

Answer 11

In participant observations, the researcher can experience the situation as the participants do; giving them increased insight into the lives of the people being studied. This may increase the validity of the findings

Question 12

What is a participant observation?

Answer 12

Participant observations involve the observer becoming part of the group they are observing

Question 13

What is a limitation of participant observation? (going native)

Answer 13

In participant observations, may come to identify too strongly with those they are studying and lose objectivity. This is referred to as ‘going native’ when the line between being a researcher and being a participant becomes blurred

Question 14

What is a non participant observation?

Answer 14

A non participant observation involves a researchers remaining separate from those they are observing and recording behaviour in a more objective way

Question 15

What is a limitation of a non participant observation? (insight)

Answer 15

In non participant observations, researchers may lose the valuable insight to be gained in a participant observation as they are too far removed from the people and behaviour they are studying

Question 16

What is a strength of a non participant observation? (psychological distance)

Answer 16

In non participant observations the researcher is allowed to maintain an objective psychological distance from their participants so there is less danger of them ‘going native’

Question 17

What is a structured observation?

Answer 17

Structured observations are observations that allow the researcher to quantify their observations using a predetermined lists of behaviours. This is completed through the use of a behavioural checklist

Question 18

What is a strength of a structured observation? (data analysis + comparison)

Answer 18

Structured observations that involve the use of behavioural categories make the recording of data easier and more systematic. The quantitative data produced makes analysis and comparison of behaviour between participants easier

Question 19

What is a limitation of a structured observation?

Question 20

What is an unstructured observation?

Answer 20

An unstructured observation has no structure to the observation. The researcher writes everything down they see, so there is continuous recording

Question 21

What is a limitation of an unstructured observation? (data analysis)

Answer 21

Unstructured observations tend to produced qualitative data, which may be much more difficult to record and analyse. However there is a greater risk of observer bias as the objective behavioural categories that are a feature of structured observations are not present here

Question 22

What is a strength of an unstructured observation?

Answer 22

Unstructured observations benefit from more richness and depth opf detail in the data they collect.