Observational techniques

• Define ‘naturalistic observation‘

  Watching and recording behaviour in the setting within it would normally occur
• Evaluate ‘naturalistic observations‘

  Strengths: generalisable & external validity

  Weaknesses: hard to replicate
• Define ‘controlled observations‘

  Watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment
• Evaluate ‘controlled observations’

  Strengths: replicable & variables controlled

  Weaknesses: not generalisable
• Define ’covert observations‘

  Ppts behaviour is watched and recorded without their knowledge or consent
• Evaluate ‘covert observations‘

  Strengths: less demand characteristics & inc. internal validity

  Weaknesses: unethical
• Define ‘overt observations’

  Ppts behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge and consent
• Evaluate ‘overt observations’

  Strengths: ethical

  Weaknesses: Hawthorne effect
• Define ‘participant observations‘

  The researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour is being watched and recorded
• Evaluate ‘participant observations’

  Strengths: better understanding & high validity

  Weaknesses: risk of going native & lack of objectivity
• Define ‘non-participant observations‘

  The reseracher remains outside of the group whose behaviour is being watched and recorded
• Evaluate ‘non-participant observations’

  Strengths: objective

  Weaknesses: minimal understanding