Observational techniques

Observational techniques

1. Naturalistic observation

   • behaviour is studied in a natural situation, & the researcher does not interfere with what is happening
   • could be used in an experiment to measure the dependent variable; it it a technique for gathering data rather than a a research method
   • high in ecological validity, especially if participants are unaware of observation
     • however, other variables are not controlled so may influence behaviour
     • on other hand controlled observations enable control of environment so observers can focus on specific behaviours
     • but this is at cost of ecological validity as the situation may feel unnatural to participants

2. Controlled observation

   • some aspects of the environment are organised by researcher, enabling them to investigate effect of particular objects or situations on behaviour
   • control variables reduces the naturalness of the environment & behaviour being studied

3. Overt observation

   • participants are aware they are being observed, this is likely to affect the validity of findings as it will affect behaviour
   • researchers carrying out this try to be as unobtrusive as possible & may be hidden by a one way mirror

4. Covert observation

   • Takes place without participants awareness
   • participants may be informed afterwards

5. Non-participant observation

   • the observer watches from a distance & does not interact with participants

6. participant observation

   • the observer joins the group being observed, either overtly or covertly

7. inter-observer reliability

   • if two or more observers record behaviour, inter-observer reliability can be calculated
   • more than 80% consistency between their data indicates a high level of reliability

8. Evaluation

   • observational studies may have high validity because they record people's actual behaviour not just their intentions
     • they can also capture unexpected behaviour
     • but is difficult for observers to be objective, what they observe is distorted by their expectations & only observable behaviour (actions & speech) are recorded, not thoughts & motivations
     • means that observer bias & interpretation of behaviour can affect internal validity of findings
   • ethical issues arise in covert observations
     • as participants are unaware they are being observed, they cannot give or withhold consent
     • + researcher must take care not to invade people's privacy when observing
     • the observer can sometimes seek retrospective consent but is nto always possible to follow up people observed in a public place