Observational techniques

• What is a naturalistic observation?

  watching and recording behaviour in a setting where the behaviour would usually occur
• what is a controlled observation?

  watching and recording behaviour within a controlled environment
• what is a covert observation?

  participant behaviour watched and recorded without their knowledge or consent (researcher hidden)
• what is an overt observation?

  particpants behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge and consent (researcher visible)
• what is a participant observation?

  the researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour they’re watchIng and recording
• what is a non participant observation?

  the researcher remains outside of the group whose behaviour they’re watching and recording
• evaluate naturalistic observation?

  • strength- high external validity higher mundane realism
  • limitation- loss of control over extraneous variables, replication difficult
• evaluate controlled observation?

  • Strength- more control over extraneous variable, replication more easier
  • Limitation- low mundane realism, low external validity
• evaluate covert observation?

  • strength- removes participant reactivity, increased validity
  • limitation- ethical issues of informed consent and right to privacy
• evaluate overt observation?

  • strength- more ethically accepted
  • limitation- participant reactivity
• evaluate participant observation?

  • strength- increased insight and detail, increased validity
  • limitation- researcher may lose objectivity (going native)
• evaluate non-participant observation?

  • strength- less risk of going native
  • limitation- can lose some valuable insight and stereotypes
• What is participant reactivity?

  Participant tries to make sense of a situation which can lead to a higher risk of them discovering the aims of the investigation