Observations

• What are the types of observations mentioned?

  Naturalistic, controlled, covert, overt, participant, non-participant
• What are the characteristics of naturalistic observations?

  • Conducted in natural settings (e.g., school, prison)
  • Minimal researcher interference
• What is a strength of naturalistic observations?

  High ecological validity
• What is a weakness of naturalistic observations?

  Lack of control over variables
• What are the characteristics of controlled observations?

  • Conducted in lab conditions
  • Researcher controls/manipulates variables
• What is a strength of controlled observations?

  High control, easy to replicate
• What is a weakness of controlled observations?

  Low ecological validity
• What are the characteristics of covert observations?

  • Conducted secretly
  • Participants unaware of observation
• What is a strength of covert observations?

  No demand characteristics
• What is a weakness of covert observations?

  Ethical issues (no consent)
• What are the characteristics of overt observations?

  • Observation is open
  • Participants are aware
• What is a strength of overt observations?

  Ethically sound, consent given
• What is a weakness of overt observations?

  Observer effects may occur
• What are the characteristics of non-participant observations?

  • Observer does not engage with participants
  • Records behaviour objectively
• What is a strength of non-participant observations?

  Objective, remains detached
• What is a weakness of non-participant observations?

  Limited understanding of participant experience
• What are the characteristics of participant observations?

  • Observer becomes involved with the group
• What is a strength of participant observations?

  Richer understanding of behaviour
• What is a weakness of participant observations?

  Harder to remain objective
• What is event sampling?

  • Observes specific events
  • Records occurrence each time it happens
• What is a strength of event sampling?

  Accurate record of infrequent events
• What is a limitation of event sampling?

  May miss out non-recorded behaviours
• What is time sampling?

  • Observes at set times
  • Records behaviours at intervals
• What is a strength of time sampling?

  Efficient for long observations
• What is a limitation of time sampling?

  May miss brief behaviours
• What is inter-observer reliability?

  • Agreement between observers
  • Ensures data consistency
• What is a strength of inter-observer reliability?

  Increases observation consistency
• What is a limitation of inter-observer reliability?

  Requires extensive training
• How does inter-observer reliability enhance research validity?

  By ensuring data consistency