Observational Techniques

• Observational methods involve watching behaviour in a controlled or naturalistic setting.
• Naturalistic observations are conducted in real-life settings where researchers record what they see as it happens.
• Structured or controlled observations are conducted in artificial settings, like a lab environment.
• Researchers have more control in structured/ controlled observations. They may record data via a one-way mirror.
• Some ethical considerations when conducting observations in research include obtaining informed consent from participants, ensuring privacy and confidentiality, and minimising harm or discomfort to participants.
• The purpose of conducting observations in research is to gather firsthand, objective data about behaviour.
• Limitations of observations include observer bias, limited generalisability, and the inability to establish cause and effect relationships.
• To increase the reliability of observational data, researchers can use standardised procedures, multiple observers (inter-rater reliability), and establish clear criteria for coding and categorising behaviours.
• Observations can collect both qualitative or quantitative data.
• Observations can be participant or non-participant.
• Participant observations are when the researcher acts as a member of the group they are observing, usually from the inside.
• Non-participant observations are conducted from a short distance, where researchers do not actively take part.
• Observations can be covert (undercover) or overt (open).
• Observations collect qualitative data which gives researchers a good insight into behaviour.
• Covert observations may raise ethical issues as participants are unaware they are being watched.
• Overt observations are subject to demand characteristics, as people observed openly may change their true behaviour.
• Observations can be ethical if participants are aware they are being watched.
• Observations that have more than one observer in agreement, are said to have high inter-observer reliability.
• Some factors that can affect the validity of observational data include observer bias, subjectivity in interpretation, and the presence of confounding variables.
• Covert observations are conducted without the knowledge or awareness of the participants, while overt observations are conducted with the knowledge and consent of the participants.
• The role of the observer in observational research is to objectively observe and record data without interfering or influencing the behaviour of the participants.
• Observer effects can include, influencing the behaviour of the participants or giving a subjective interpretation of the findings.