Observational techniques

• Naturalistic observation 


  carried out in natural settings where a particular behaviour is exhibited.

  It can be done in lab settings when experimenting with animals as their behaviour is considered natural enough.

  The labs can be designed to resemble a natural setting, e.g. a playroom

  +high validity and realism provided the observer is undetected.

  -it can be expensive and there may be extraneous variables.
• controlled observations


  conditions are manipulated by the researcher and carried out in lab setting where its standardised which allows for replication.

  +standardised procedure easier for replication so more reliable.

  -lacks mundane realism and gas low ecological validity so can't be generalised to real life.

  -Demand characteristics: could affect the data (PP might be able to figure out the aim of the study and behave differently) so can't be generalised to everyone.
• non-participant observations


  observer observes the group passively from a distance without participating with them in any way.

  The researcher remains more objective in how they analyse and interpret behaviour.

  +no researcher effects as not interacting with the PP

  -harder to interpret observations

  -can only rely on the observation of the behaviour
• Participant observation


  researcher participates with the PP's they are studying. They behave as a member of the group, It enables researcher to gain a new perspective that may not be available through observations or interviews.

  +researcher gains a deeper understanding as to the reasons for behaviour. high validity levels

  -more time you spend with a PP, more likely a relationship may form and could make you bias.
• overt observations 


  researcher makes their identity and purpose known to those being studied and is open about what they are doing, means informed consent is gained.

  +PP are aware they are been observed so informed consent isn't an issue and no other ethical issues are breached.

  -PP may change their behaviour so is less natural and results in lower ecological validity.
• covert observations 


  study is carried out 'under cover'. The PP are unaware they are being observed. The researcher takes on a false identity and role usually posing as a member of the group.

  +don't know they are been watched so will behave normally so higher ecological validity.

  -ethical issues raised: deception, informed consent and privacy

  -difficult to take note or ask questions without being suspicious, information could be lost as the researcher must remember everything.