Research methods - Observations

What is a structured observation and what are some examples?

Takes place in a lab to observe behaviours not often seen in natural setting. Maybe use of one-way mirror. Setting and extraneous variables are controlled.

Examples- Bandura created situations in order to observe response of participants to these situations.

Strengths of structured observations

• Control over procedures - easily standardised - better reliability

• Extraneous variables controlled - good internal validity

Weaknesses of structured observations?

• Lack ecological validity - difficult to generalise findings to real-life

• Demand characteristics if participants know they are taking part

What are naturalistic observations and an example

None of the variables are controlled- observation takes place in participants natural environment

Example- Brendgen- observations made in real-life settings- not created by researchers

Strengths of naturalistic observations

• Good ecological validity- less artificial as environment is not created by researcher

Weaknesses of naturalistic observations

• Can be impossible to replicate - reliability not as good

• Lack of control over extraneous variables

What are participant observations and an example

Observer becomes part of the situation being studied - this may be carried out without the participants knowledge (cover) or because researcher is already part of the group being studied.

Example- Rosennan- ‘on being sane in insane places’

Strengths of participant observations

• Involvement in situation gives observer better understanding of situation and reason why they respond

Weaknesses of participant observations

• Involvement of observer may change nature of situation

• Reduced objectivity of observer - creates bias

• Important behaviours of other participants may be missed

What is a non-participant observation and an example

Observer is independent of situation being studied and is not involved with the participants or behaviour being studied.

Strengths of non-participant observations

• Observer better able to remain objective compared to participant observation

• Observer less likely to change nature of situation

• Observer better placed to observe behaviour of others

Weaknesses of non-participant observations

• Observer may not gain same insight into reasons behind behaviour

What are covert observations and an example

Participant does not know that observation is taking place- carried out in secret but someone may be aware of researcher (to gain ethical approval) e.g. teacher

Example- Bandura, Sherif and Rosenhan

Strengths of Covert observations

• Participants less likely to modify their behaviour if unaware they are being observed- less demand characteristics

Weaknesses of covert observations

Ethical issues- participants have non consented

What is an overt observation and an example

Participants know observation is taking place and researcher can be identified within the setting

Example- Milgram and Burger

Strengths of an overt observation

• Less ethical issues than covert

Weaknesses of overt observations

• More likely to get demand characteristics - reduced internal validity