Observation

Cards (18)

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

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