Observational Techniques

Question 1

What is an observation

Answer 1

A researcher watches and records natural behaviour of PPS without manipulating the DV

Question 2

What is a controlled observation

Answer 2

Observing behaviour in a structured and controlled environment

Question 3

Strengths of a controlled observation

Answer 3

• Easy replication
  -able to focus on particular aspects of behaviour
  -more control over extraneous and confounding variables

Question 4

Weaknesses of a control observation.

Answer 4

• More likely to be observing unnatural behaviour
• low ecological validity
  -demand characteristics

Question 5

What is a naturalistic observation

Answer 5

Watching and observing behaviou in an everyday setting

Question 6

Strengths of a naturalistic observation

Answer 6

-high ecological validity
-high external validity

Question 7

Weaknesses of a naturalistic observation

Answer 7

-replication difficult
-little control over extraneous and confounding variables

Question 8

What is an overt observation

Answer 8

Pps are aware that their behaviour is being studied

Question 9

Strengths of overt observation

Answer 9

-ethically acceptable as informed consent given

Question 10

Weaknesses or overt observation

Answer 10

• More likely to record unnatural behaviour as Pps know they’re being watched
  -demand characteristics reduce validity of findings

Question 11

What is a covert observation

Answer 11

Pps are unaware that their behaviour is being recorded and watched

Question 12

Strengths of covert observation

Answer 12

• Natural behaviour is being recorded hence high internal validity
  -reduces likely hood if demand characteristics

Question 13

Weakness of covert observation

Answer 13

Ethical issues presented- no informed consent given
-invading pps privacy

Question 14

What is Participant observation

Answer 14

The researcher who is observing is also part of the group that is being observed

Question 15

Strengths of participant observation

Answer 15

-provide special insights into behaviour from the inside which increases the validity

Question 16

Weaknesses of participant observation

Answer 16

Behaviour my Change if pps figures out they’re being watched
Researcher my loose objectivity a they may start to identify too strongly with the pps

Question 17

What is a non-participant observation

Answer 17

The observer is seperate from the people that are being observed

Question 18

Strengths of non-participant observation

Answer 18

-observers are likely to be more objective because they are not part of the group being observed

Question 19

Weaknesses of non-pps observation

Answer 19

-may loose valuable insight
- open to observer bias