types of observation

• Naturalistic- natural environment setting where the behaviour would usually occur, high eco validity as setting is realistic, lack of control over extraneous variables so causality cannot be established
• Controlled- takes place in artificial environment where the behaviour would not usually occur, high control over extraneous variables so causality can be established, low eco validity as aritifical setting
• Covert- pps unaware they are being observed, more likely to observe realisitc behaviour as pps will not be influenced by Hawthorne effect, unethical as pps cannot give informed consent
• Overt- pps aware of being observed, ethical as pps can give informed consent, less likely to observe realistic behaviour as pps will be influenced by Hawthorne effect
• participant- the observer takes part in activities same way as participant, experience of situation may provide a greater insight of the reasons for behaviour,
• participant observation downside- researcher may end up 'going native' and losing sight of the purpose of the research
• non participant- observer does not take part in the activities the participant is taking part in and remains seperate, observer remains objective as they do not experience the situation, objective standpoint may give the researcher less of an insight into the reasons for behaviour