Research Methods: Observational Techniques

Question 1

What are observational tequniques ?

Answer 1

Are research methods were behaviour is studied by watching subjects in different settings necessarily interacting with them

Question 2

What are the 6 types of observations

Answer 2

Naturalistic observation
Controlled observation
Overt observation
Covert observation
Participant observation

Question 3

What is a naturalistic obsevation?

Answer 3

Takes place in a real world,natural environment .
The researcher doesn’t interfere with the situation
E.g watching children in a park

Question 4

What is a strength of naturalistic observation

Answer 4

High ecological validity as its realistic behaviour so results will be able to reflect real world scenarios findings are more generalisable

Question 5

Weakness of naturalistic observation

Answer 5

Less control over extraneous variables difficult to establish cause and effect
Low reliability since setting cannot be standardised or easy replicated.

Question 6

What is a controlled observation?

Answer 6

Conducted in a structured or laboratory setting. Researcher may control some variables
Observing behaviour in a clan experiment

Question 7

What are Strengths of a controlled observation

Answer 7

Better controls on variables making it more reliable and easy to replicate
Easy to to record behaviour accurately using equipment (e.g cameras)

Question 8

What are weaknesses of controlled observations

Answer 8

Behaviour may be less natural due to demand characteristics of ppts
Low ecological validity - behaviour may be artificial

Question 9

What is an Overt observation

Answer 9

This is when ppts know they’re being observed

Question 10

What are strengths of overt observations

Answer 10

Ethical as ppts give informed consent
it reduces ethical issues like deception

Question 11

What are cons of overt observations

Answer 11

Behaviour may change due to awareness of being observed
Ppts may show demand characteristics

Question 12

What is a covert observation

Answer 12

Where ppts d9nt know they’re being observed

Question 13

What are strengths of covert observations

Answer 13

High validity Observing more natural behaviour as ppts are unaware

Question 14

What are weaknesses of covert observations?

Answer 14

Ethical concerns (lack of consent) possible invasion of privacy
And it’s difficult to replicate, which reduces reliability

Question 15

What is a participant observation

Answer 15

This is when the researcher joins and becomes part of the group being studied.
E.g. living with a community to study lifestyle

Question 16

What are strengths of Participant Observation?

Answer 16

It provides rich and detailed data this is an advantage as the researcher gains deeper insight
It also helps understand context and meaning behind behaviour

Question 17

What are the weaknesses of a participant Observation?

Answer 17

There is risk of observer bias this is when the researcher will become too involved meaning there’s loss objectivity so reduces validity

Question 18

What is a non participant observation?

Answer 18

Researcher observed from a distance without involvement

Question 19

What are the strengths of non-participant observation?

Answer 19

It is more objective as the researcher remains detached. There is also less risk of influencing behaviour (less observed bias)

Question 20

What are weaknesses in Non Participant observations?

Answer 20

The research results may lack depth and may miss meaning behind behaviour. This can seem less valid due to limited context