Observational techniques

What is an observation?

Watching and recording how people behave in certain situations

What is a naturalistic observation?

Observation in the participants' real-life environment

What is a controlled observation?

Observation in an environment set up by the researcher

What is an example of a controlled observation?

Ainsworth's Strange Situation

How is a naturalistic observation different from a natural experiment?

A naturalistic observation is a technique in a real setting while a natural experiment has a naturally varying IV

What is a strength of naturalistic observation?

High ecological validity

What is a weakness of naturalistic observation?

Uncontrolled extraneous variables

What is a second weakness of naturalistic observation?

Hard to replicate as it may be a one-off situation

What is a strength of controlled observation?

Extraneous variables are controlled and it is easy to replicate

What is a weakness of controlled observation?

Artificiality may affect behaviour so low ecological validity

What is a covert observation?

Participants are unaware they are being observed

What is an overt observation?

Participants are aware they are being observed

What is a strength of covert observation?

Behaviour is natural with no demand characteristics

What is a weakness of covert observation?

Breaks ethical guidelines on privacy and consent

What is a strength of overt observation?

More ethical as participants have consented

What is a weakness of overt observation?

Demand characteristics reduce validity

What is a participant observation?

The observer joins the group being studied

What is a non-participant observation?

The observer remains separate from those being studied

What is a strength of participant observation?

Rich insight that is hard to gather any other way

What is a weakness of participant observation?

The observer may lose objectivity

What is a strength of non-participant observation?

The observer is more likely to remain objective

What is a weakness of non-participant observation?

May lose insight by being too removed

Can observation types be combined?

Yes - any mix of naturalistic or controlled and covert or overt and participant or non-participan