Observational techniques

What is naturalistic observation?

Naturalistic observation= observation takes place in a setting where the behaviour would naturally occur

What are the strengths of naturalistic observation?

strengths of naturalistic observation=

• high external/ ecological validity as findings can be generalised to everyday life

(though this may be limited due to demand characteristics if done overtly)

What are the weaknesses of naturalistic observation?

weaknesses of naturalistic observation=

• little control over the situation so more potential for extraneous/confounding variables

• lack of control over the research situation makes replication of the investigation difficult.

What is controlled/ lab observation?

Controlled/ lab observation= observation takes place in a laboratory setting in which variables can be controlled

What are the strengths of controlled/ lab observation?

strengths of controlled/ lab observation=

• allows focus on specific aspects of behaviour so confounding/extraneous variables may be less of a factor so replication of the observation becomes easier.

What are the weaknesses of controlled/ lab observation?

weaknesses of controlled/ lab observation=

• less ecologically valid, as the non-natural setting may get non-natural behavior

• may produce findings that cannot be as readily applied to everyday life

What is overt observation?

Overt observation= ppts are aware that they are being observed and that their behaviour is recorded

What are the strengths of overt observation? 

strengths of overt observation= 

• less ethically hazardous as ppts can give informed consent in advance

What are the weaknesses of overt observation?

weaknesses of overt observation=

• ppts may be more likely to respond to demand characteristics afffecting external validity of the data

What is covert observation?

Covert observation= ppts are unaware that they are being observed and have not consented in advance to having their behaviour recorded 

What are the strengths of covert observation?

strengths of covert observation=

• minimises demand characteristics so more likely to observe natural behaviour, increasing external validity of the data

What are the weaknesses of covert observation?

weaknesses of covert observation=

• big issues of consent, withdrawal and deception (though it is acceptable to get retrospective consent and to observe public behaviour)

retrospective consent- ppt gives their consent for their data to be used in a study after they have already taken part in it

What is ppt observation technique?

ppt observation technique= the observer participates in the group’s activities and observes them from within

What are the strengths of ppt observation technique?

strengths of ppt observation technique=

• deeper insights into the reasons for behaviour from inside the group that should promote external validity in results

What are the weaknesses of ppt observation technique?

weaknesses of ppt observation technique=

• researcher may come to identify too strongly with those they are studying and lose objectivity

• the presence of the researcher may cause ppts to respond to demand characteristics (especially if overt), lowering external validity

What is non-ppt observation technique?

Non-ppt observation technique= the observer is separate from the groups and observes them objectively from outside of the activities

What are the strengths of non-ppt observation technique?

strengths of non-ppt observation technique=

• likely to be more objective so there is less danger of them adopting a local lifestyle

• less prone to subjectivity and expectancy bias

What are the weaknesses of non-ppt observation technique?

weaknesses of non-ppt observation technique=

• lack of deeper insights into the reasons for behaviours, as they are too far removed from the people and behaviour they are studying

• potential ethical issues if done covertly