Observational Techniques

• What is the main objective of observational studies?

  To define the observational method
• What do observational studies involve?

  Watching or listening to people's behavior
• Why do psychologists use observations?

  To study behavior in a natural setting
• What is a limitation of all observational methods?

  Cause and effect cannot be inferred
• What are the different types of observational methods?

  • Naturalistic Observation
  • Controlled Observation
  • Participant Observation
  • Non-Participant Observation
  • Covert Observation
  • Overt Observation
• What is a naturalistic observation?

  Behavior studied in a natural environment
• What is a controlled observation?

  Some variables are regulated by the researcher
• What is a participant observation?

  Observer participates in the activity being observed
• What is a non-participant observation?

  Observer does not interact with participants
• What is a covert observation?

  Participants are unaware they are being observed
• What is an overt observation?

  Participants are aware they are being observed
• What is a strength of naturalistic observation?

  Provides a realistic picture of behavior
• What is a weakness of naturalistic observation?

  Little control of extraneous variables
• What is a strength of controlled observation?

  More control of extraneous variables
• What is a weakness of controlled observation?

  Behavior may lack ecological validity
• What is the main ethical issue with covert observation?

  Lack of informed consent and privacy
• What is a strength of overt observation?

  Allows for informed consent to be sought
• What is a weakness of overt observation?

  Participants may alter their behavior
• What is a strength of participant observation?

  Provides insights from within the group
• What is a weakness of participant observation?

  Observer bias may affect validity
• What is a strength of non-participant observation?

  Observers are more likely to be objective
• What is a weakness of non-participant observation?

  Less insight into the group being studied
• What does inter-observer reliability refer to?

  Agreement between two or more observers
• What does observer bias mean?

  Observers' expectations affect their observations
• What is a strength of observational studies?

  High in validity, records actual behavior
• What is a weakness of observational studies?

  Observer bias can distort findings
• What is a common issue with observational studies?

  They can be time-consuming to conduct
• What is required for effective observational studies?

  Careful preparation and possibly training