Observational Techniques

• Naturalistic observations

  Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation

  
  

  - Observer bias

  - High external validity

  - Generalisable

  - Replicable
• Controlled observation

  - Some control over variables takes place to observe how people may interact/behave.

  - They take place inside and outside of a lab.

  
  

  - Observer bias

  + High external validity

  + Generalisable

  + Replicable
• Covert observations

  Observing people without their knowledge

  
  

  - Observer bias

  - No demand characteristics

  - High internal validity

  - Unethical
• Overt observations


  Participants know they are being observed

  
  

  - Observer bias

  - Demand characteristics

  - Low internal validity

  - Ethical
• Participant observations

  Observers are part of what they are observing, involved in the situation, activity or group

  
  

  - Observer bias

  - High external validity

  - Less objectivity
• Non-participant observation

  - The researcher is not involved in what is going on.

  - The researcher is external to what is going on/the people being observed.

  
  

  + Objective

  - Observer bias

  - Lose insight