co/overt observations

• overt observations - participants know they are being observed and informed consent is given

  • researchers try to be as unobtrusive as possible, and may even use one way mirrors so they're hidden from view - this is because it might impact ppts behaviours
• covert observations- participants are unaware that they're being watched and have therefore not given consent beforehand

  • to avoid ethical issues covert observations should take place in public and the ppts should be debriefed after
• pros and cons of overt observations-

  • pros- more ethical than covert as informed consent is given
  • cons- ppts may change their behaviours affecting the validity of the results
• pros and cons of covert observations-

  • pros- ppts are unaware they're being watched so participant reactivity is removed and their behaviours are more natural which increases the validity of the data
  • cons- ethical issues as people may not want their behaviours to be noted down