observational techniques

• naturalistic observation is where the target behaviour being studied is observed in the natural environment. 

  Strengths: 

  They have high external validation, as it is easy to generalise as the behaviour is being studied in its natural environment. 

  Limitations:

  The behaviour being studied is not replicable as the extraneous and confounding variables are not under control.
• controlled observation is where the behaviour is studied and recorded in a structured environment. 

  Strengths: 

  Confounding and extraneous variables are able to be controlled. 

  Limitations:

  The behaviour performed cannot be applied to everyday life. 
• covert observation Participants' behaviour is being observed without their knowledge or consent. 

  Strengths:

  Removes demand characteristics and increases internal validity. 

  Limitations:

  It is unethical as the participants may not want their behaviour to be observed.
• overt observation is where the participant of the behaviour benign studied is aware that it is taking place. 

  Strengths: 

  It is ethical as they are aware of the observation. 

  Limitations:

  The participants being aware that their behaviour is being studied may have an influence on their behaviour and how they act, as there is a high likelihood that they will change their behaviour to please the researcher, decreasing the internal validity.
• particpant observation researcher becomes a part of the environment of where the behaviour is being  studied. 

  Strengths: 

  It gives the researcher an insight to the behaviour and the environment therefore it increases the external validity. 

  Limitations:

  The researcher may get lost native within the environment, losing the objectivity of the research. 
•  non- participant observation researcher excludes themself  from the environment where the target behaviour is taking place while observing the behaviour. 

  Strengths: 

  It helps to maintain the objectivity of the research. 

  Limitations:

  They will lose their insight of the behaviour so will have a less understanding of why they act like they do.