7.2 Observational Techniques

• Observational techniques involve watching and recording participants' behavior
• Naturalistic observation involves observing behavior in a controlled environment.

  False
• What type of observation occurs in a controlled environment?

  Controlled observation
• In a naturalistic observation, behavior is observed in a natural
• Naturalistic observation has high control over variables.

  False
• In controlled observation, researchers actively manipulate variables
• What type of observation involves studying behavior in its natural setting without researcher intervention?

  Naturalistic observation
• The researcher manipulates variables in controlled observation.
• What are the two main types of participant observation?

  Overt and covert
• In overt observation, are participants aware they are being observed?

  Yes
• Covert observation is always ethical because it captures natural behavior.

  False
• In controlled observation, the researcher may manipulate variables
• What type of participant observation involves the researcher hiding their identity and purpose?

  Covert
• Order the steps involved in conducting observational research:

  1️⃣ Define research question

  2️⃣ Choose observation type

  3️⃣ Design recording methods

  4️⃣ Conduct observation

  5️⃣ Analyze data
• In overt participant observation, participants are unaware they are being observed.

  False
• What type of observation takes place in a natural environment with low control?

  Naturalistic observation
• In a controlled observation, the level of control is high
• Which type of observation may result in artificial behavior due to high control?

  Controlled observation
• Studying animal behavior in the wild is an example of naturalistic observation.
• What are the two main types of participant observation?

  Covert and overt
• In covert observation, the researcher hides their identity and purpose
• Participants in overt observation are aware they are being observed.
• What is the primary ethical concern in covert observation?

  Lack of informed consent
• Match the type of observation with its ethical consideration:

  Covert ↔️ Raises concerns about consent and privacy

  Overt ↔️ Requires informed consent
• What does a researcher need to obtain when conducting overt observation?

  Informed consent
• Studying a cult without revealing research intentions is an example of covert observation
• Overt observation requires disclosing the research purpose to participants.
• What is the main difference between overt and covert observations?

  Participant awareness
• Match the feature with the type of observation:

  Participants' Awareness ↔️ Overt: Fully aware ||| Covert: Unaware

  Consent ↔️ Overt: Informed consent ||| Covert: No consent

  Ethical Considerations ↔️ Overt: Generally ethical ||| Covert: Raises concerns about deception and privacy
• What type of observation involves obtaining informed consent from participants?

  Overt observation
• A key disadvantage of observational techniques is the potential for researcher bias
• Observational techniques can establish direct causality between variables.

  False
• What is a major ethical concern specific to covert observations?

  Lack of informed consent
• Steps to ensure ethical considerations in observational research:

  1️⃣ Obtain informed consent

  2️⃣ Ensure privacy

  3️⃣ Avoid deception

  4️⃣ Protect participants from harm
• What must researchers obtain before observing children's play activities in a park?

  Informed consent
• Balancing scientific rigor with ethical responsibilities ensures research integrity.
• What is the primary difference between naturalistic and controlled observations?

  Level of control
• In naturalistic observation, the researcher does not manipulate any variables
• Studying playground behavior is an example of naturalistic observation.
• What are observational techniques in psychology used for?

  Watching and recording behavior