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Research Methods: Observational Techniques
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- 1ObservationsProvide psychologists with a way of seeing what people do without having to ask them. They also allow researchers to study observable behaviour within a natural or controlled setting. This method allows a researcher the flexibility to study more complex interactions between variables in a more natural way.
- 2Naturalistic Observation: Takes place in a setting where the target behaviour would usually occur.Strength: high external validity as findings can be generalised to everyday life as behaviour happened where it would usually occur so it is more natural.
Weakness: lack of control means the investigation can't be replicated. There are lots of uncontrolled extraneous variables that make it more difficult to judge any pattern of behaviour. - 3Controlled Observation: Observation happening in a structured, controlled environment. Control over variables, including extraneous variables.Strength: Can be replicated as variables are controlled
Weakness: May produce findings that cannot be readily applied to real life settings: low external validity. - 4Covert Observation: Participants are unaware they are the focus of the study and their behaviour is observed in secret. Without consent.Strength: No need to worry about demand characteristics as they don't know they are being watched. Increases validity of data gathered.
Weakness: People don't wish to have their behaviours noted down, even in public. - 5Overt Observation: Participants know their behaviour is being observed and have given their informed consent beforehand.Strength: More ethically acceptable as they know they are being watched.
Weakness: Knowing they are being watched might influence their behaviour. - 6Participant Observation: When observer actually takes part in the observation. When taking part, it would be better for the researcher so they can produce a first hand account.Strength: Can experience the situation so they get an insight into the lives of the participants being studied. Increases validity of findings.
Weakness: Researcher might come to identify too strongly with the participants and lose objectivity. The line between being a researcher and being a participant becomes blurred. - 7Non-Participant Observation: Researcher remains separate from those they are studying and record behaviour in a more objective manner.Strength: Allows researcher to maintain an objective distance from the participants.
Weakness: May lose the valuable insight to be gained in a participant observation as they are too far removed from the participants and their behaviour.
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- A level Research Methods Fichas sobre Research Methods: Observational Techniques, creado por Christolin Calistas el 28/03/2021.
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- Christolin Calistas
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