Observational techniques

Question 1

What is a naturalistic observation?

Answer 1

Watching and recording behaviour in the setting it would typically occur

Question 2

What is a controlled observation?

Answer 2

Watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment (control over variables)

Question 3

What is a covert observation?

Answer 3

Participants’ behaviour is watched and recorded without their knowledge or consent

Question 4

What is an overt observation?

Answer 4

Participants’ behaviour is watched and recorded with their consent

Question 5

What is a participant observation?

Answer 5

The researcher becomes a member of the group they are watching and recording

Question 6

What is a non-participant observation?

Answer 6

The researcher remains outside of the group they are watching and recording

Question 7

What are the limitations of observations?

Answer 7

• Observer bias (interpretations may be affected by researchers’ expectations)
• Cannot demonstrate causal relationships
• Impractical (time-consuming, requires training)

Question 8

What are the strengths of observations?

Answer 8

• Capture unexpected behaviour
• Give an insight into behaviour

Question 9

What are the strengths of naturalistic observations?

Answer 9

• High external validity, as findings can be generalised to real life

Question 10

What are the limitations of naturalistic observations?

Answer 10

• Lack of control over the situation, so replication is difficult
• Confounding/extraneous variables

Question 11

What are the strengths of controlled observations?

Answer 11

• Easier to replicate, as variables are controlled

Question 12

What are the limitations of controlled observations?

Answer 12

• Findings cannot always be applied to everyday life

Question 13

What are the strengths of covert observations?

Answer 13

• Demand characteristics removed (participants unaware they’re being watched)- increases internal validity

Question 14

What are the limitations of covert observations?

Answer 14

• Unethical due to lack of informed consent

Question 15

What are the strengths of overt observations?

Answer 15

• Ethically acceptable

Question 16

What are the limitations of overt observations?

Answer 16

• Participants aware they’re being watched, so higher risk of demand characteristics

Question 17

What are the strengths of participant observations?

Answer 17

• Increased insight (researcher experiences same situations)- increases external validity

Question 18

What are the limitations of participant observations?

Answer 18

• Researcher may develop rapport (study looses objectivity)

Question 19

What are the strengths of non-participant observations?

Answer 19

• Researcher can maintain an objective psychological distance from participants

Question 20

What are the limitations of non-participant observations?

Answer 20

• May lack valuable insight into lives of participants (too far removed)