Observational Techniques

• Observations-

  Research method where psychologist watches behaviour and records it.
• This may be used when it is unethical or impossible to manipulate an IV.
• Controlled-

  Takes place in a structured environment.

  Often created by the observer.

  Certain variables have been controlled by the observer.
• Strengths-

  Researcher can focus on particular aspects of behaviour.

  Being controlled means extraneous variables are less of a problem.

  Internal Validity.
• Weaknesses-

  Environment more controlled can sometimes impact on how ppts behave.

  Less natural due to environment.
• Naturalistic-

  Carried out in everyday setting.

  Observer doesn't interfere or change any variables, merely observes the behaviour in question.
• Strengths-

  Provides realistic picture of behaviour, therefore have high external validity- high ecological validity.
• Weaknesses-

  Lack of control, maybe uncontrolled extraneous variables.

  Observations tend to be one offs, so therefore replication is hard.
• Overt-

  Ppts are aware they are being observed.
• Strengths-

  Ethical advantage to Covert Observations because ppts are aware of what's going on and have given consent.
• Weaknesses-

  Means ppts behave differently to normal and behaviour is not as natural as ppts display demand characteristics.
• Participant-

  Observations are made by a person who has become part of the group being observed. This affects objectivity.
• Strengths-

  Provides real insight into ppts being studied and this richness may not be gained in any other way.
• Weaknesses-

  Observer may identify too strongly with those they are studying and lose their objectivity.
• Non participant-

  The observer is separate from the group being observed.
• Strengths-

  More likely to remain objective, as aren't apart of the group being studied.
• Weaknesses-

  May lose valuable insight into the ppts because they are too removed from the people and behaviour.
• Strengths of Observations-

  Observations capture what people actually do.

  Better than self-report people often do not act as they say they would.

  Give special insight into behaviour.
• Weaknesses of Observations-

  Observer bias

  Observer's interpretation of a situation may be affected by expectations.

  Reduced by using more than one observer.

  Cannot demonstrate casual relationships, may be used in experiments and identifying cause and effect.