Observations

Question 1

What are naturalistic observations

Answer 1

Behaviours studied in a natural situation where everything had been left as it is normally- researcher doesn’t interfere
Eg- watching an infant play in their normal environment

Question 2

What are controlled observations

Answer 2

Some variables in the environment are regulated by researcher- reducing naturalness

Question 3

What are overt observations

Answer 3

The person being observed is aware of the observations- reducing naturalness

Question 4

What are covert observations

Answer 4

Participants are unaware of observations
Eg- hidden cameras

Question 5

What are participant observations

Answer 5

The observers is part of the group being observed
Eg- joining a gang

Question 6

What are non participant observations

Answer 6

Observer is not part of group being researched and is watching or listening to behaviour

Question 7

Pros of naturalistic observations

Answer 7

Gives realistic picture of spontaneous behaviour= higher ecological validity

Question 8

Cons of naturalistic observations

Answer 8

Little control over extraneous variables

Question 9

Pros of controlled observations

Answer 9

Observer can focus on particular aspect of behaviour

Question 10

Cons of controlled observations

Answer 10

Control may make environment feel unnatural= change in behaviour

Question 11

Pros of overt observation

Answer 11

Reduced ethical implications

Question 12

Cons of overt observations

Answer 12

Participants are aware= lacks naturalness

Question 13

Pros of covert observations

Answer 13

Participants unaware of observations= more natural

Question 14

Cons of covert observations

Answer 14

Important ethical issues

Question 15

Pros of participant observations

Answer 15

Provides special insight into behaviour

Question 16

Cons of participant observations

Answer 16

More likely to be overt= issues of participation awareness

Question 17

Pros of nonparticipant observations

Answer 17

Observers are likely to be objective

Question 18

Cons of non participant observations

Answer 18

More likely to be covert= more ethical issues