observational techniques

what are the different types of observational techniques

natural, controlled, covert, overt, participant, non-participant

naturalistic observation

Watching and recording behaviour in the setting within which it would normally occur- researcher does not manipulate variables

strength of naturalistic observation- validity

high ecological validity as studied in a real-world setting with no interference from researcher so actions observed more likely to reflect everyday life so findings more generalisable

strength of naturalistic observations- demand characteristics

reduced risk of demand characteristics as pps unaware being studied meaning behaviour less likely to be influenced by researcher, leading to more authentic and reliable data

weakness of naturalistic observations- control

lack of control over extraneous variables- difficult to establish clear cause and effect relationship, reduces internal validity of findings, difficult to replicate

weakness of naturalistic observation- observer bias

potential for observer bias, ethical concerns as participants not given informed consent

controlled observations

watching and recording behaviour in an environment where researcher has control over variables

Strengths of controlled observations

- more control

- more accurate observations

- easier to replicate

- usually avoid ethical problems of consent

Weaknesses of controlled observations

Low ecological validity- artificial setting, limits generalisability

demand characteristics

covert observation

participant behaviour studied in secret without consent

strengths of covert observation

- natural behaviour so high internal validity

- no demand characteristics

- high ecological validity so more reflective of real-life behaviour

weaknesses of covert observation

- Creates ethical issues as participants are unaware they are in a study and therefore can't withdraw etc.

- Researcher must be hidden so may be difficult to record detailed behaviour, limiting depth and richness of findings, risk of misinterpretation

overt observation

Participants know they are being observed

strengths of overt observation

Ethically acceptable as informed consent is given- enhanced ethical integrity as pps can withdraw

openly use recording equipment, take notes etc. imporving accuracy of data

weaknesses of overt observations

-participants know they're being observed- demand characteristics so may change their behaviour to meet the aims of the investigation or please the researcher. Behaviour displayed is unnatural so it decreases in validity.

participant observation

The researcher is involved in/with the experiment either overtly or covertly.

strengths of participant observation

- deep first hand understanding so more detailed data

- build rapport and trust with participants so more open and natural behaviour

Weaknesses of participant observations

Hawthorne effect

Researcher might have to get into criminal activity - unethical - deception

Informed consent not given - unethical

researcher bias reduces validity as may become too emotionally/socially invested

non-participant observation

when the researcher observes behavior without participating in the situation

strengths of non-participant observation

- maintain objectivity and reduce bias as not involved so wont influence behavior

- detailed structured data collection

weaknesses of non-participant observation

- Researcher doesn't acquire in depth insight compared to participant observation- only watching participants behaviour so may miss reasons why they choose to act in certain ways

- if overt- demand characteristics