observational techniques

• Naturalistic observation

  -          Watching and recording behaviour in a setting where it would normally take place

  -          the strength is that it has high ecological validity and high external validity because it is done in a natural environment

  -          a limitation however is that low ecological validity can occur if participants become aware that they're being watched, replication of observations can be difficult and uncontrolled extraneous variables and confound in variables are presented
• controlled observation

  -          Watching and recording behaviour in a structured environment like a lab setting

  -          a strength is that research is able to be focused on a particular aspect of behaviour and there is more control over extraneous and confounding variables as well as having easy replication

  -          however a limitation is that you are more likely to be observing unnatural behaviour as it takes place in an unnatural environment which can also cause low mundane realism solo ecological validity in turn and demand characteristics unlikely to be presented

   

   
•  overt observation

  -          this is when participants are watched and their behaviour is recorded with them knowing they're being watched

  -          the strength is that it is ethically acceptable as informed consent is given

  -          however we  are more likely to be recording unnatural behaviour as participants know they are being watched and demand characteristics are likely which reduces validity of findings
• covert observation

  -          is when participants are unaware that their behaviour is being watched and recorded

  -          a strength is that it is natural behaviour being recorded which equals high internal validity of results and also remove the problem of participant reactivity whereby participants try to make sense of the situation they're in which makes them more likely to guess the aim of the study

  -          however there are ethical issues presented as no informed consent is given also could be an invasion off the participants privacy

   
• participant observation  

  -          this is when the researcher who is observing is a part of the group that is being observed

  -          a strength is that it can provide more insight which increases the validity of the findings

  -          however there is the possibility that the behaviour may change the participants were to find out if they were being watched and the researcher may lose objectivity and may start to identify too strongly with the participants which could affect the findings

   
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  non participant observation

  -          is when the researcher observes from a distance so is not part of the group being observed

  -          a strength is that the research could be more objective and less likely to identify with participants since watching from outside of the group

  -          however a limitation is that the study is now open to observer bias like the influence of stereotypes and its possible the researcher may lose some valuable insight