Observational design

• What is the definition of Observation?

  A non-experimental technique, the researcher watches and records spontaneous/natural behaviour of participants without manipulating levels of IV (independent variable)
• Definition of controlled observation?

  Aspects of the environment are controlled, in an attempt to give participants the same experience. Often in a laboratory setting
• AO3 Strength of controlled observations

  • Controlling the environment and giving the same experience to all P.P.S reduces the likelihood that extraneous variables are responsible for the observed behaviour.
• AO3 strength of controlled observations

  Results are likely to be replicable due to using the same standardised procedures.
• AO3 limitation of of observation

  The artificiality of the observational environment may result in unnatural behaviour, not like behaviour shown in real world situations.
• Definition of Naturalistic Environment

  Takes place in "real world" settings. These are places P.P.S are likely to spend their time e.g. school, work, home
• AO3 strength of naturalistic observations

  high realism - P.P.S more likely to show naturalistic behaviour. High external Validity - behaviour can be generalised to other situations.
• AO3 limitation of extraneous variables

  uncontrolled extraneous variables may be responsible for the behaviour observed which results in lower internal validity
• Overt Observation


  participants know their behaviour is being observed for a study and can see the observer.
• AO3 strength of overt observations

  overt observations are ethical as participants have given their informed consent.
• AO3 limitation of overt observations

  demand characteristics are likely. Or social desirability bias may be a factor - acting to "look good"
• Covert Observation:

  The participants are unaware they are being observed and the cannot see the researcher
• AO3 strength of covert observations

  P.P.S show naturalistic behaviour - no demand characteristics or social desirability bias
• AO3 limitation covert observation

  research unethical pps has not given informed consent
• Participant observation

  The researcher joins the group being observed and takes part in the groups activities and conversations
• AO3 strength of participant observation

  researcher may build a rapport, more trust and comfort, leading to the participant behaving more naturally and disclosing more information.
• AO3 weakness of observation techniques

  researchers can lose objectivity, interpretation of behaviour is biased - seeing only from the participants perspective. Sometimes termed "going native"
• Non participant observation


  the researcher is separate from the participants recoding observations without taking part in the groups activities.
• AO3 strength of non participant observations:

  the researcher is more likely to remain objective in their interpretation of the participants behaviour
• AO3 limitation of non participant observation

  researcher does not gain participants trust or build a rapport with them so misses out on important insights/participants don't behave naturally.