observation techniques

• What is a naturalistic observation technique?

  • behaviour Observed in a natural environment where it would normally occur.
• What is a controlled observation technique?

  • behaviours observed in an artificial setting.
• What are the strengths of a naturalistic observation technique?

  1. high external validity - allows generalisation to occur.
• What are the weaknesses of a naturalistic observation technique?

  1. issues of replication due to the events occurring naturally.
• What is a covert observation technique?

  • where the ppt is unaware they’re being observed
• What is a overt observation technique?

  • ppts are aware theyre being observed
• what are the strengths of a covert study

  1. reduced demand characteristics
• What are the weaknesses of a covert study

  1. Ethics
• What are strength of an overt study?

  1. ethics
• What are weaknesses of an overt study?

  1. demand characteristics
• What is a participant observation technique?

  1. researcher decided to get involved
• What is a non-participant observation technique?

  researcher does not get involved, they observe
• What is a strength of a participant observation technique?

  • increased validity
• What is a weakness of a participant observation technique?

  • increased objectivity
• What is a strength of a non-participant observation technique?

  • less objective
• What is a weakness of a non-participant observation technique?

  Limited insight into participants' perspectives as they’re not involved
• Strength of a controlled observation technique?

  1. Repeated due to standardised procedures
• Weakness of a controlled study?

  • cant be generalised- lack of mundane realism