Observation techniques 0.0 / 5 ? PsychologyResearch methods and techniquesA2/A-levelAQA Created by: Smart BubbleCreated on: 17-01-22 12:50 CASE STUDIES: type of data, time period and methods Short or long period of time, qualitative, interviews, psychological tests, observations & experiments 1 of 21 CASE STUDIES: strengths In-depth data, investigate rare behaviours/experiences, holistic approach important for complex human interaction 2 of 21 CASE STUDIES: weaknesses Long-term means expensive, generalisability, use of retrospection 3 of 21 What is controlled observation? Where aspects of the situation are controlled or manipulated to observe effects 4 of 21 Controlled observation strengths No extraneous variables Easily replicated 5 of 21 Controlled observation weaknesses Lacks ecological validity Cannot be readily applied to everyday situation 6 of 21 What is a naturalistic observation? In settings or context where the target behaviour would usually occur 7 of 21 Natural observation strengths High external validity Can generalise findings 8 of 21 Natural observation weaknesses Extraneous variables - difficult to judge patterns of behaviour Lack of consent and replication is difficult 9 of 21 What is a covert observation? Ppts are unaware they are being observed and this behaviour must be occurring anyway for this to be ethical 10 of 21 Covert strengths Access to social groups that would not give consent High validity 11 of 21 Covert weaknesses Researcher may not be protected No consent Researcher could be biased 12 of 21 What is an overt observation? Researcher is open about their intentions and ensures all ppts are aware 13 of 21 Overt strengths Avoids ethical issues Consent 14 of 21 Overt weaknesses Ppts know the expectations and so could change their behaviour (demand characteristics) 15 of 21 What is participant observation? When the researcher joins in the activity and writes notes afterwards 16 of 21 Participant observation strengths Validity Flexibility Insight into viewpoints 17 of 21 Participant observation weaknesses Ethical issues - deceit Time consuming and demanding Small sample size is hard to generalise Risk of being too involved - biased data 18 of 21 What is a non-participant observation? Researchers chooses not to play any part in what is being observed 19 of 21 Non-participant observation strengths Objectivity More ethical Researcher is more open-minded 20 of 21 Non-participant observation weaknesses Demand characteristics Time consuming and costly Accuracy is affected as viewing from a distance 21 of 21
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