OBSERVATIONS 1 (EVALUATION)

Question 1

Strengths of naturalistic observation

Answer 1

1. High ecological validity= As the researcher explores naturally occurring behavior in a natural environment.

Question 2

Weaknesses of naturalistic observations

Answer 2

1. Relaibility: Observations may be context dependent (unique situations/settings) so replication may be challenging.
2. Limited control of extraneous varibles

Question 3

Strengths of Controlled observations

Answer 3

• Reliable: researchers use standardized procedures and protocols for data collection, this ensures consistency across observations and observers.
• Validity: allow researchers to manipulate variables and control extraneous influences

Question 4

Weaknesses of controlled observaions

Answer 4

• Low ecological validity: Artifical/ manipulated settings may not accurately reflect real world behaviours as ppts may behave differently in a natural setting.

Question 5

Strengths of structured observations

Answer 5

1. Inter-observer reliability: the activities recorded are clearly defined in behavioral categories , which helps observers be consistent.
2. Standardisation: the activities recorded are clearly defined in behavioral categories that can be replicated

Question 6

Weaknesses of structured observations

Answer 6

1. Validity: The focus on predefined categories or criteria may lead to a superficial understanding of the observed behaviors, as nuances and context-specific details may be overlooked.

Question 7

Strengths of unstructured observations

Answer 7

1. Validity: No predefined categories mean researchers can collect rich, qualitative data that captures the complexity and nuances of behavior

Question 8

Weaknesses of unstructured observations

Answer 8

• The observations may rely on the observers subjective interpretations of behavior which introduces a bias to the data collection and analysis process.