observational techniques

Question 1

describe a naturalistic observation

Answer 1

watching and recording behaviour in a setting where it would normally take place

Question 2

give strengths of a naturalistic observation

Answer 2

• high ecological validity
• high external validity

Question 3

give limitations of a naturalistic observation

Answer 3

• low ecological validity if ppts become aware that they are being watched
• replication is difficult
• uncontrolled confounding + extraneous variables are presented

Question 4

describe a controlled observation

Answer 4

watching and recording behaviour in a structured environment eg. lab

Question 5

give strengths of a controlled observation

Answer 5

• researcher is able to focus on a particular aspect of behaviour
• more control over extraneous variables
• easy to replicate

Question 6

give limitations of a controlled observation

Answer 6

• more likely to be observing unnatural behaviour as its in an unnatural environment
• low mundane realism so low ecological validity
• demand characteristics

Question 7

describe an overt observation

Answer 7

ppts are watched and their behaviour is recorded with them knowing they are being watched

Question 8

give strengths of an overt observation

Answer 8

• ethically acceptable as informed consent is given

Question 9

give limitations of an overt observation

Answer 9

• more likely to be recording unnatural behaviour
• demand characteristics likely - reduces validity

Question 10

describe a covert observation

Answer 10

ppts are unaware they are being watched and recorded

Question 11

give strengths of a covert observation

Answer 11

• natural behaviour recorded hence high internal validity
• removes problem of ppt reactivity where ppts try to make sense of the situation theyre in and guess the aim

Question 12

give limitations of a covert observation

Answer 12

• ethical issues - no informed consent

Question 13

describe a participant observation

Answer 13

researcher who is observing is part of the group being observed

Question 14

give a strength of a participant observation

Answer 14

• more insightful which increases the validity of findings

Question 15

give limitations of a participant observation

Answer 15

• behaviour may change if they find out theyre being watched
• reseracher may lose objectivity as may start to identify too strongly with ppts

Question 16

describe a non-participant observation

Answer 16

reseracher obserbes from a distance

Question 17

give a strength of a non-participant observation

Answer 17

• reseracher can be more objective as less likely to identify with ppts

Question 18

give limitations of a non-participant observation

Answer 18

• observer bias eg. stereotypes the observer is already aware of
• may lose valuable insight