OBSERVATIONAL TEHCNIQUES

• What is a strength of controlled observations?

  can be replicated to check reliability as the researcher is in control of variables and therefore can repeat the method as they wish
• What is a limitation of controlled observations?

  Low ecological validity as the researcher records the behaviours on an artificial (manipulated) environment with potential outside interference from the researcher.
• What is a strength of covert observations?

  Investigator effects are unlikely meaning that participants behaviour will be genuine.
• What is a limitation of covert observation?


  Less ethical as participants are not aware they are taking part and cannot give fully informed consent.
• What is a strength of overt observations?

  It is possible to inform participants in advance and obtain informed consent.
• What is a limitation of overt observations?

  Behaviour can be distorted through investigator effects in which the participant changes their behaviour through social desirability bias.
• What is a strength of participant observations?

  The researcher can obtain in depth data as they are in close proximity to the participants and so are unlikely to overlook or miss any behaviours.
• What is a limitation of participant observations?

  the researchers presence may influence the participants behaviour due to evaluation apprehension
• What is a strength of non-participant observations?


  Investigator effects and evaluation apprehension are less likely as the researcher is not visible.
• What is a limitation of non-participant observations?

  Due to a lack of proximity the researcher may overlook or miss behaviours of interest.