observational techniques

• naturalistic observation


  watching and recording behaviour in the setting it would normally take place in
• naturalistic observation strengths 


  high ecological and external validity as done in a natural environment
• naturalistic observation limitations 


  replication can be difficult as observing natural behaviour, uncontrolled cofounding and extraneous variables are presented
• controlled observation


  watching and recording behaviour in a structured environment
• controlled observation strengths 


  there is more control over extraneous and cofounding variables and easy replication
• controlled observation limitations 


  more likely to be observing unnatural behaviour as it takes place in an artificial environment, low ecological validity
• overt observation 


  participants are watched and their behaviour is recorded with them knowing they are being watched
• overt observation strengths


  ethically acceptable as informed consent is given
• overt observation limitations


  more likely to record unnatural behaviour as participants know they are being watched and demand characteristics reduce validity
• covert observation 


  the participants are unaware that their behaviour is being watched and recorded
• covert observation


  high internal validity as natural behaviour is recorded
• covert observation limitations

  ethical issues are presented as no informed consent is given which could also be invading the privacy of participants
• participant observation 


  the researcher who is observing is part of the group that is being observed
• participant observation strengths 


  can be more insightful which increases the validity of the findings
• participant observation limitation 


  researcher may lose objectivity as may start to identify too strongly with the participants
• non-participant observation


  the researcher observed from a distance so os not part of the group being observed
• non-participant observation strength 


  researcher can be more objective as less likely to identify with participants since watching from outside of the group
• non-participant observation limitation 


  researchers may lose some valuable insight