types of observation

• What is a naturalistic observation?

  Carried out in an unaltered setting in which the observer does not interfere in any way and merely observes the behaviour in question as it happens normally.
• What is a strength of naturalistic observations?


  Naturalistic observations are more realistic.
• What is a weakness of naturalistic observations?

  There are issues of ascertaining reliability with naturalistic observations.
• What is a controlled observation?

  Conducted under strict conditions, such as in an observation room or laboratory setting where extraneous variables (such as time of day, noise, temperature and visual distractions) can be controlled to avoid interference with the behaviour being observed.
• What is a strength of controlled observations?

  They can be replicated to check for reliability
• What is a weakness of controlled observations?

  They have a lower level of external validity
• What is an overt observation?

  An observational technique where the observations are 'open' and the participants know/are aware that they are being observed
• What is a strength of overt observations?

  Often more ethical than the covert method
• What is a weakness of overt observations?

  More open to demand characteristics
• What is a covert observation?

  Consists of observing people without their knowledge; for example, using a one‐way mirror (covert non‐participant) or joining a group as a member (covert participant).
• What is a strength of covert observations?

  Less opportunity for demand characteristics
• What is a weakness of covert observations?

  Can have ethical issues
• What is a participant observation?

  The person who is conducting the observation also takes part in the activity being observed.
• What is a strength of participant observations?

  The researcher can obtain in‐depth data
• What is a weakness of participant observations?

  The researcher may become too involved and lose objectivity
• What is a non-participant observation?

  The person who is conducting the observation does not participate in the activity being observed
• What is a strength of non-participant observations?

  More likely to be objective
• What is a weakness of non-participant observations?

  They are less likely to gain insights