observational techniques

• Types of Observation


  • Naturalistic observation
  • Controlled observation
  • Covert observation
  • Overt observation
  • Participant observation
  • Non-participant observation
• What is a covert observation?

  When ppts are unaware that they are being observed. Psychologists go 'undercover' to do their observation.
• What is an overt observation?

  Ppts are aware they are being observed. The psychologists are open about the fact that they are doing an observation.
• What is a naturalistic observation?

  Observing behaviour taking place in the setting within which it would normally occur.
• What is a controlled observation?

  Observing behaviour in a controlled environment where variables were organised and managed.
• What is a participant observation?

  This is when the observer joins in with the group of people they are studying.They provide more realistic results.
• What is a non-participant observation?

  Researcher observes from a distance and doesn't interfere with their activities.
• Evaluation for covert observations

  strengths: behaviour is more natural (increased validity)

  limitations: ethical issues only acceptable to observe people in public places if behaviours aren't private ones.
• Evaluation for overt observations

  strengths: more ethical, ppts have given consent

  limitations: ppts are likely to behave differently from normal if they know they're being watched (lacks validity)
• Evaluation for participant observations

  strengths: researchers can experience the situation from the ppts pov, giving more realistic results and increasing validity

  limitations: researcher may come to identify too strongly with those they're studying and lose objectivity
• Evaluation for non-participant observations

  strengths: researcher can be more objective when standing back from the group being observed

  limitations: researcher may miss special insights into behaviour that can only be gained from the 'inside'
• Evaluation for naturalistic observations

  strengths: high external validity - results can be generalised to everyday life

  limitations: lack of control over research situation makes replication of investigation difficult (uncontrolled extraneous variables)
• Evaluation for controlled observations

  strengths: extraneous variables less of a factor, so replication of observation easier

  limitations: findings can't be as readily applied to real life settings