Observational techniques

Question 1

What are the types of experiment

Answer 1

• controlled
• naturalistic
• covert
• overt
• participant
• non - participant

Question 2

What is naturalistic and evaluate it

Answer 2

naturalistic = take place in the setting where the behaviour would normally occur
S = high external validity
L = lack of controlled extraneous and confounding variables
L = replication is difficult

Question 3

What is a controlled observation and evaluate

Answer 3

• watching or recording behaviour in a lab, controlled setting
• L = Lacks external validity
  S = controlled variables, high internal validity

Question 4

What is a covert

Answer 4

• the participants are unaware that they are being observed
  S = lack of demand characteristics which increases internal validity
  L = ethical issues

Question 5

Overt

Answer 5

• participants are aware that they are being observed
  S = ethical issues are prevented
  L= demand characteristics

Question 6

Participant

Answer 6

• The researcher who is observing is part of the group that is being observed
• S = more insightful which increases validity
• L = loses obejctivity

Question 7

non participant

Answer 7

• researcher observes from a distance and is not a part of the group being observed
  S = more objective
  L= may loose valuable insight