Observational Techniques

• What are observations?

  A non-experimental method which psychologists can use to see what people do without having to ask them.

  • allows researchers to study observable behaviour in either a natural or controlled setting
  • allows researchers to study more complex interactions in a more natural way
  • can be used within an experiment to assess the DV
• What are the 6 types of observations?

  • Naturalistic
  • Controlled
  • Covert
  • Overt
  • Participant
  • Non-participant
• Naturalistic observations take place in the setting where the target behaviour would normally occur.

  All aspects of the environment are free to vary.

  strengths:

  • high external validity as findings can be generalised to everyday life

  limitations:

  • hard to replicate
  • uncontrolled EVs —> hard to judge patterns of behaviour
• Controlled observations control over variables, including manipulating variables and controlling EVs e.g. Ainsworth’s Strange Situation.

  strengths:

  • less EVs —> easier to replicate

  limitations:

  • may produce findings that cannot be applied to real-life settings
• Covert (hidden) observations obtain no consent prior to the observation, and participants are usually unaware that they’re the focus of the study. Behaviour is observed in secret (behaviour being observed must be public and naturally occurring if it’s to be ethical).

  strengths:

  • no participant reactivity
  • high validity as behaviour observed is natural

  limitations:

  • questionable ethics
• Overt observations obtain informed consent beforehand, and participants are aware they’re being watched.

  strengths:

  • ethnically sound

  limitations:

  • knowing they’re being watched may have a significant effect on their behaviour (demand characteristics)
• Participant observations are when the observer becomes part of the group they’re studying.

  strengths:

  • high validity

  limitations:

  • may lose objectivity - ‘going native‘ refers to when the researcher identifies too strongly with the group they’re studying / blurred lines between participant and researcher
• Non-participant observations are when the researcher remains separate from the group being observed. This kind of observation is sometimes the only option.

  strengths:

  • researcher remains objective

  limitations:

  • may lose valuable insight as they’re too far removed from the group they’re studying