Strengths and Limitations of Observations

Strengths and Limitations of Observations

1. Participant Observation

   • The observer takes part in what they are observing.
   • Increases the Ecological validity
     • As participants will behave as they normally do, unaware that they are being observed.
   • Reduces the chance of Demand Characteristics
   • Tha participant observer is able to gain valid insight.
   • Very unethical if covert
     • -There is no write to withdrawal. -The participants are being decived as they do not know they are being observed. - No consent is being/has been given.
   • There is always the chance that a participant realises they are being observed.
     • And will react accordingly, causing the results to lose validility.
   • Generally time comsuming in relation to the amount of data that is normally collected.
   • Small groups are normally observed which are not representative.
   • Low reliability as the observations cannot normally be checked.
     • Mainly for a Covert Observations which cannot be recorded with ease or making the participants realise that they are being observed.

2. Unstructured Observation

   • The researcher records all of the behaviour that they see. (Event sampling for example.)

3. Non-participant Observation

   • Observing only with no interaction with the participants task.

4. Undisclosed (Covert) Observations

   • Participants are unaware that they are being observed.

5. Structured Observation

   • The researchers design a type of coding scheme to record participant behaviour.

6. Controlled Observation

   • Normally conducted in laboratory conditions, where variables are controlled throughout the observation.
   • The control of variables may create demand characteristics.
   • The control of variables will decrease the ecological validity of the results.

7. Disclosed (Overt) Observations

   • Participants are aware of their observers.