observation

• Controlled observation limitations

  • Low external validity - hard to generalise to other situations due to unnatural environment
  • Low ecological validity - hard to generalise to everyday life due to contrived behaviour
• Controlled observation strengths

  • Controlled variables therefore enhanced internal validity
  • Standardised method therefore high replicability
• Controlled observations

  Observing and recording behaviour in structured environment where variables are managed
• Covert observation

  Recording P's behaviour w/o their knowledge nor consent
• Covert observation limitations

  • Ethical violations: Informed consent - no knowledge of observation meant they were unable to give consent
  • Right to withdraw - no knowledge of observation meant they were unable to decide if wanted to participate
  • Deception - were not told they were being observed therefore acted as if they weren't be watched
• Covert observation strength

  • Reduced demand characteristics - natural and authentic behaviour there allows for rich data and dig deeper into the group's behaviour therefore enhances internal validity
• Naturalistic observation

  • Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation
  • Usual environment - everyday behaviour therefore high external validity
  • Generalisable - natural behaviour can apply to other people who act the same way in the same setting
• Naturalistic observation limitations

  • EVs uncontrolled - difficult to detect patterns and cannot determine cause and effect therefore low internal validity
  • Subjective observations
• Non-participant observation

  Observer is external/outside of observed group
• Non-participant observation limitation

  Low external validity - lack of insight from being too removed means misinterpretation and possible observer bias
• Non-participant observation strengths

  • Efficient data recording - observe what you see
  • More objective - psychological distance established therefore no bias
• Overt observation

  Researcher is open about intentions and seeks consent from Ps who know they are being observed
• Overt observation limitation

  Low internal validity - demand characteristics effects from awareness of study's aim
• Overt observation strengths

  • Ethical considerations: informed consent
  • Right to withdraw - knowing study aims meant Ps able to decide if they want to remain in the study before it's too late
• Participant observation

  Observer becomes a member of the observed group of Ps
• Participant observation limitations

  • Deception - Ps may confide and provide personal info to observer w/o knowing it is for a study
  • Subjectivity/Observer bias - bringing own bias when identifying with Ps, loss of objectivity
• Participant observation strengths

  • Normal P behaviour - are in their normal environments
  • New insights and direction for research - observer builds rapport with Ps
  • Rich source of qualitative data - detailed conversations and descriptions of Ps' feelings