Lesson 8: Observational Techniques

• What is observation in psychology?

  A non-experimental method to see behavior
• What do observations allow researchers to study?

  Observable behavior in natural or controlled settings
• How do observations provide flexibility for researchers?

  They allow study of complex interactions between variables
• What is a strength of all observations?

  They capture unexpected behavior, providing insight
• What is a limitation of all observations?

  Observer bias can affect interpretations
• What is interrater validity in observations?

  Different researchers corroborate their observations
• What is a limitation of observations regarding causal relationships?

  They cannot demonstrate causal relationships
• Where do naturalistic observations take place?

  In the setting where behavior usually occurs
• What is a strength of naturalistic observations?

  They have high external validity
• What is a limitation of naturalistic observations?

  Lack of control makes replication difficult
• What do controlled observations allow researchers to do?

  Control and manipulate variables to observe effects
• What is a strength of controlled observations?

  Confounding variables are controlled for easier replication
• What is a limitation of controlled observations?

  They occur in artificial settings with low external validity
• What characterizes covert observation?

  Participants are unaware they are being observed
• What is a strength of covert observation?

  No demand characteristics, leading to natural behavior
• What is a limitation of covert observation?

  It may breach participants' privacy
• What defines overt observation?

  Participants know they are being observed
• What is a strength of overt observation?

  It is more ethically acceptable
• What is a limitation of overt observation?

  Participants may exhibit less natural behavior
• What is participant observation?

  The observer becomes part of the group studied
• What is a strength of participant observation?

  Increased insight from experiencing the situation
• What is a limitation of participant observation?

  Researcher may lose objectivity due to identification
• What characterizes non-participant observation?

  The researcher remains separate from the group
• What is a strength of non-participant observation?

  Maintains objective psychological distance from participants
• What is a limitation of non-participant observation?

  May lose valuable insight from participant observation