Observations

• Controlled observations

  > The conditions are manipulated by the researcher

  > This type of observation can be carried out in a lab situation ed. Ainsworth
• Controlled observation strength

  > High in reliability as the environment is controlled and standardised so the observation can be easily repeated to check for consistent results

  > Therefore the controlled observation will gain more respect from other professionals and members of the public
• Controlled observation weakness

  > Low in ecological validity

  > Takes place in a controlled setting which doesnt reflect real life

  > Therefore more difficult to generalise the results beyond the setting of the observation which lowers the external validity
• Naturalistic observation

  > Watching natural behaviour in a natural environment for the participant where the target behaviour would normally occur

  > No manipulation of variables
• Naturalistic observation strength

  > Less prone to demand characteristics as people are less likely to know they are being watched

  > Therefore they are unlikely to change their natural behaviour and are less likely to help or hinder the research

  > Increasing the internal validity of the observation
• Naturalistic observation strength

  > High ecological validity as the observation takes place in a natural setting

  > therefore it is easier to generalise the results beyond the setting of the observation

  > Increasing the internal validity
• Naturalistic observation weakness

  > Low in reliability as they are being observed in a natural environment

  > Difficult to replicate the observation in the exact same conditions to achieve consistent results
• Naturalistic observation weakness

  > Create an ethical issue of lack of informed consent

  > As participants may be unaware they are being observed and therefore haven't given their consent to take part

  > If they become aware they may wish to withdraw their data from the study
• Overt observation

  > Participants are aware their behaviour is being observed, so will be aware of the purpose of the research.

  > Observer is clearly visible to participant
• Overt observation strength

  > More ethically appropriate than a covert observation as participants know they are being observed

  > so the ppts can give consent for their data to be used
• Overt observation weakness

  > More prone to demand characteristics as ppts are more likely to know they are being watched

  > therefore ppts are likely to change their natural behaviour and may help or hinder the research based on clues given off by the observer or environment

  > Lowering the internal validity
• Covert observation

  > These are observations that are conducted without the knowledge or awareness of the participants

  > This can be done through an observer being hidden, use of secret cameras or from behind a two-way mirror

  > The observer may become part of a group to observe behaviour, but hide the fact they are doing research
• Covert observation strength

  > Less prone to demand characteristics as participants are less likely to know they are being observed

  > Therefore are unlikely to change their natural behaviour and are less likely to help or hinder the research

  > Increasing the internal validity
• Covert observation weakness

  > Participants are unaware they are being studied raising ethical issues such as lack of informed consent and invasion of privacy that would need to be resolved

  > When ppts are informed they may become upset and choose to withdraw their data.