Observations

• What is the primary purpose of observations in research?


  To observe and watch what people do in certain situations or environments
• What is naturalistic observation?


  It is conducted in an everyday environment where behavior is expected to be natural and spontaneous
• What is overt observation?


  Observation conducted with participants' knowledge that they are being observed
• What is covert observation?


  Observation conducted without the participant being aware they are being watched
• What is participant observation?


  When an observer is involved in the group they are observing
• What is nonparticipant observation?


  The observer watches and records people without being actively involved
• What are the weaknesses of observations in research?


  • Can be unreliable if measures are not in place
  • Observers may not detect behaviors accurately
  • Interpretation of behaviors may differ among observers
  • Lack of internal validity if coded behaviors are not good measures
  • Observer bias can affect validity
  • Ethical issues with covert observations and lack of consent
• how can the issue of reliabilty be resolved

  reliability can be checked using an inter-rater reliability this is when more than one trained observer that compare results to check for agreement this requires it to be recorded so it can be replayed