Observation

• What is a naturalistic observation

  takes place where target behaviour would naturally occur
• What is a strength and limitation of naturalistic observations 


  strength: high external validity

  limitation: low control over variables
• What is a controlled observation


  some control of variables including EV
• What is a strength and weakness of controlled observations 


  strength: can be easily replicated due to standardised procedures

  limitation: may have low external validity
• What is a covert observation


  ppts are unaware that they are being studied
• What is a strength and a limitation of covert observations


  strength: demand characteristics are reduced

  limitation: ethical issues
• What is an overt observation 


  ppts are aware they are being studied
• Name a strength and a limitation of overt observations

  strength: more ethically acceptable

  limitation: demand characteristics
• What is a participant observation


  the researcher becomes part of the group they are studying
• Name a strength and a limitation of participant observations


  strength: can lead to greater insight

  limitation: possible loss of objectivity- researcher may identify w/ ppts too strongly
• What is a non-participant observation


  researcher remains separate from the group they are studying
• What is a strength and a limitation of non-participant observations 


  strength: more objective

  limitation: loss of insight
• What is time sampling


  Observations are made at regular intervals e.g once every 15 seconds
• What is a strength of time sampling

  reduces the number of observations
• What is a limitation of time sampling

  May be unrepresentative
• What is event sampling


  A target behaviour/event is recorded every time it occurs
• What is a strength of event sampling 


  may record infrequent behaviour
• what is a limitation of event sampling

  complex behaviour is oversimplified