Lab/controlled observation

• What is a lab/controlled observation?

  Some variables are controlled by the researcher e.g., watching animals in a zoo play with given equipment.
• What is a strength of lab/controlled observations?

  The researcher is in control of variables. This is a strength as the study can easily be repeated or replicated to test for reliability.
• What is a weakness of lab/controlled observations?

  The researcher is recording behaviour in an artificial environment. This is a weakness as there is low ecological validity.