Unit 1 - Observations Flashcards
What is naturalistic observation?
It is done in the participants’ natural environment.
What are the strengths of a naturalistic observation?
Normal, realistic behaviour can be observed, high in validity.
What are the weaknesses of a naturalistic observation?
Lack of control over other factors that may be influencing behaviour, extraneous variables.
What is a controlled observation?
The conditions are contrived by the researcher, e.g. laboratory experiment.
What are the strengths of a controlled observation?
High in reliability.
What are the weaknesses of a controlled observation?
Low ecological validity.
What is a participant observation?
The researcher is involved with those that are being observed.
What are the strengths of a participant observation?
Insider depth into the experience, which gathers in-depth qualitative data.
What are the weaknesses of a participant observation?
Demand characteristics/Social desirability as presence may change the course of the events.
What is a non-participant observation?
The researcher may stand apart from what they’re observing and look from the outside.
What are the strengths of a non-participant observation?
Objective as not influenced by personal feelings or bias.
What are the weaknesses of a non-participant observation?
Not as much detail or insight.
What is a covert observation?
(COVERT - COVER) Those being observed are unaware.
What are the strengths of a covert observation?
Ecologically valid.
What are the weaknesses of a covert observation?
Ethical issues.
What is an overt observation?
Those being observed are aware.
What are the strengths of an overt observation?
Ethically valid.
What are the weaknesses of an overt observation?
Demand characteristics/Social desirability.
What is an unstructured observation?
Not looking for particular behaviours.
What are the strengths of an unstructured observation?
Detailed results can be found.
What are the weaknesses of an unstructured observation?
Greater risk of observational bias.
What is a structured observation?
Looking for particular behaviours, uses a coding frame.
What are the strengths of a structured observation?
Simple to carry out.
What are the weaknesses of a structured observation?
As a result of a coding frame, limits the amount of behaviours observed.
