observation

• what is a structured observation?

  A method of data collection where researchers systematically observe and record behaviors or events in a controlled setting.
• what is an unstructured observation?

  Observation without a predetermined format or set of categories.
• strength of structured observation?

  quick and easy to analyse data due to the answers being shorter or quantitative (numbers)

  due to them being short observations, means the sample size can be bigger
• weakness of structured observations?

  extraneous variables can rarely be controlled, reducing validity

  difficult to ensure reliability of data collected
• strengths of unstructured observations?

  internal validity - since behaviour is recorded in great detail.

  only minimal preparation is required
• weakness of unstructured observations?

  may lack a representative sample -meaning results ungeneralisable to wider society

  may lead to researcher bias - may not be objective
• what is a controlled observation?

  studying behaviour in a carefully controlled and structured environment
• strength of a controlled observation?

  reliable - easily replicated due to the controlled/standardised procedure

  quantitative date - easy and quick to analyse - making it less time consuming meaning a larger same size could be used

  good control over extraneous validity
• weakness of controlled observations

  lack of ecological validity

  demand characteristics - know they are being watched

  less control over extraneous variables that might bias the results
• what is a naturalistic observation?

  Observing behavior in its natural setting without any manipulation.
• strength of a naturalistic observation?

  greater ecological validity - can observe behaviour in their own setting
• weakness of a naturalistic observation?

  lack of scientific control

  observation are often conducted on a small scale and lack a representative sample
• what is a participant observation?

  Research method where the researcher actively engages in the group or community being studied.
• strengths of a participant observation

  allows the researcher to obtain a deeper understanding of an individual or group.

  collects qualitative data
• weakness of a participant observation?

  low reliability- extremely hard to replicate

  low representativeness

  researcher bias -
• what is a non-participant observation?

  Observing a situation without actively participating or interfering in it.
• strengths of a non-participant observation?

  researcher can be open-minded as they're an outsider looking in.

  more ethical if the research is done overtly

  more objective data to be collected that is also more reliable
• weakness of non-participant observation?

  observer bias

  can lead to Hawthorne effect
• what is the hawthorne effect?

  Increased productivity due to attention received, not actual changes.
• what is an overt observation?

  Visible observation
• what is a covert observation?


  Secretly watching and recording behavior.
• strengths of overt observations?

  Direct, real-time data collection.
• weakness of overt observations?

  could lead to demand characteristics
• strengths of covert observations?

  Unobtrusive, natural behavior.
• weakness of covert observations?

  Ethical concerns

  informed consent