Observation

• An observation is a non-experimental technique where the researcher watches and records spontaneous / natural behaviours of participants without manipulation of the levels of IV.
• Controlled observation is watching and recording behaviour in a structured setting (eg laboratory).
• Strengths of controlled observations:

  • More control over variables - Controlling the environment and giving participants the same experiences reduces the likelihood that extraneous variables are responsible for observed behaviour.
• Strengths of controlled observations:

  • Reliable - The same standardised procedure is used, increasing reliability.
• Limitations of controlled observations:

  • Lacks mundane realism - Artificiality of the observational environment may result in unnatural behaviours.
• Naturalistic observations take place in 'real world' environments where participants are likely to spend their time.
• Strengths of naturalistic environments:

  • High realism - Participants are likely to show more naturalistic behaviours.
• Strengths of naturalistic observations:

  • High external validity - Behaviour is more likely to be generalisable to other situations.
• Limitations of naturalistic observations:

  • Loss of control - Uncontrolled extraneous variables may be responsible for the observed behaviour, leading to low internal validity.
• Overt observation is where participants are aware they are being watched and their behaviour is being recorded.
• Strengths of overt observations:

  • Ethics - Informed consent has been given meaning participants are aware and agree to being observed.
• Limitations of overt observations:

  • Demand characteristics - If participants know they are being observed, they are more likely to change their behaviour in order to match the aims of the study.
• Limitations of overs observations:

  • Social desirability - Participants may change their behaviour in order to be liked by the experimenter ('PleaseU' effect).
• Covert observations take place when participants are unaware they are being observed.
• Strengths of covert observations:

  • Reduces participant variables - Demand characteristics and social desirability is reduced as participants are unaware they are being watched and so tend to show more natural behaviours.
• Limitations of covert observations:

  • Ethical issues - Informed consent has not been given.
• Participant observation is when the researcher who is observing joins the group being observed.
• Strengths of participant observations:

  • More insightful - Participants tend to disclose more information and behave naturally as they are unaware of any observations.
• Limitations of participant observations:

  • Loss of objectivity - Researcher may begin to identify strongly with the participants, resulting in biased interpretations.
• Non-participant observations occur when the researcher is separate from the participants and does not take part in their activities.
• Strengths of non-participant observations:

  • Objective - Researcher is less prone to identification meaning interpretation of behaviour is unbiased.
• Limitations of non-participant observations:

  • Loss of insight - Due to lack of trust, researcher will not obtain any important insights and the participants may behave unnaturally.