Types Pf Observations

Question 1

Define a controlled observation.

Answer 1

Conditions are manipulated by the researcher, usually in a laboratory/artificial environment. E.g. Ainsworth. (AO1)

Question 2

Strengths of controlled observation.

Answer 2

High reliability → controlled and standardised environment → can be easily repeated → ↑ respect from professionals/public. (AO3)

Question 3

Limitations of controlled observation.

Answer 3

Low ecological validity → artificial setting → difficult to generalise → ↓ external validity. (AO3)

Question 4

Define a naturalistic observation.

Answer 4

Watching behaviour in the participant’s natural environment with no manipulation. E.g. playground aggression. (AO1)

Question 5

Strengths of naturalistic observation.

Answer 5

Less prone to demand characteristics → participants behave naturally → ↑ internal validity. High ecological validity → easier to generalise → ↑ external validity. (AO3)

Question 6

Limitations of naturalistic observation.

Answer 6

Low reliability → hard to replicate in same conditions. Potential ethical issues → lack of informed consent. (AO3)

Question 7

Define an overt observation.

Answer 7

Participants are aware they are being observed; observer is clearly visible. (AO1)

Question 8

Strengths of overt observation.

Answer 8

Ethically appropriate → participants know they are observed → can give consent. (AO3)

Question 9

Limitations of overt observation.

Answer 9

More prone to demand characteristics → participants may help/hinder → ↓ internal validity. (AO3)

Question 10

Define a covert observation.

Answer 10

Observations conducted without participants’ awareness, e.g., hidden observer, secret cameras, two-way mirror. (AO1)

Question 11

Strengths of covert observation.

Answer 11

Less prone to demand characteristics → participants behave naturally → ↑ internal validity. (AO3)

Question 12

Limitations of covert observation.

Answer 12

Ethical issues → participants unaware → lack of consent/invasion of privacy. (AO3)

Question 13

Define participant observation.

Answer 13

Researcher is involved in the group. Data collected whilst part of the group. E.g. joining a cult or football hooligans. (AO1)

Question 14

Strengths of participant observation.

Answer 14

Gains in-depth understanding of group behaviour → captures feelings and motivations → ↑ internal validity. (AO3)

Question 15

Define non-participant observation.

Answer 15

Researcher is not involved with the group. Data collected from a distance, e.g., video camera. (AO1)

Question 16

Strengths of non-participant observation.

Answer 16

Reduces researcher bias → increases objectivity → ↑ internal validity. (AO3)

Question 17

Limitations of participant observation.

Answer 17

Researcher may influence the group → ↓ internal validity. (AO3)

Question 18

Limitations of non-participant observation.

Answer 18

Observer may miss important aspects of behaviour → ↓ internal validity. (AO3)

Question 19

What are the four key questions to identify observation type?

Answer 19

1) Type of environment: controlled or naturalistic. 2) Are participants aware: covert or overt. 3) Is the researcher part of the group: participant or non-participant. 4) Behaviour categories are specific and measurable. (AO1)

Question 20

Why use behaviour categories in observations?

Answer 20

Provides clear focus, allows objective data recording, enables tallying for reliability, produces quantitative data for analysis → ↑ internal validity. (AO3)

Question 21

Example of ambiguous vs clear behaviour categories.

Answer 21

Ambiguous: aggressive behaviour. Clear: kicking, punching, swearing. Ambiguous: helping. Clear: holding door, tidying toy, picking litter. (AO1)