Observational techniques

Question 1

What are the 6 observational techniques?

Answer 1

Naturalistic observation
Controlled observation
Covert observation
Overt observation
Participant observation
Non-participant observation

Question 2

What is naturalistic observation?

Answer 2

Take place in a setting where the target behaviour would usually occur.

Question 3

What is controlled observation?

Answer 3

There is some control over variables (e.g. extraneous variables).

Question 4

What is covert observation?

Answer 4

Participants are unaware that they are the focus of the study. Behaviour is observed in secret.

Question 5

What is overt observation?

Answer 5

Participants know they are being observed and had given their informed consent beforehand.

Question 6

What is participant observation?

Answer 6

When the observer becomes part of the group they are studying.

Question 7

What is non-participant observation?

Answer 7

When researcher remains separate from those they are studying.

Question 8

What is a strength of naturalistic observation?

Answer 8

It has high external validity because it can be generalised to everyday life as behaviour is studied in an environment where it would normally occur

Question 9

What is a limitation of naturalistic observation?

Answer 9

Lack of control over extraneous variables

Question 10

What is a limitation of controlled observation?

Answer 10

Produce findings that may be less generalised to real life.

Question 11

What is a strength of controlled observation?

Answer 11

Extraneous variables are controlled so replication of research method is easier.

Question 12

What is a strength of covert observation?

Answer 12

Removes participant reactivity (e.g. demand characteristics) so behaviour is natural => increased internal validity

Question 13

What is a limitation of covert observations?

Answer 13

Ethics may be questioned. Participants’ privacy was violated and there is no informed consent.

Question 14

What is a strength of participant observation?

Answer 14

They would gain increased insight about lives of the participants being studied => increased validity

Question 15

What is a limitation of participant observation?

Answer 15

Researcher may identify strongly with the participants and lose objectivity.