What is a covert observation? | Participant unaware that they are being observed |
Strength of covert observation? | Investigator effects and demand characterisitcs are less likely |
Weakness of covert observation? | Less ethical, lack of informed consent |
What is a overt observation? | Participants are aware that they are being watched and observered |
Strength of overt observation? | More ethical, informed consent obtainted |
Weakness of overt observation? | Investigator effects and demand characteristics are more likely |
What is participant observation? | Researcher takes place in the activity that they want to observe |
Strength of participant observation? | In-depth data is gatherd due to close proximity |
Weakness of participant observation? | Investigator effects and demand characterisitcs are more likely |
What is non-participant observation? | Researcher does not take part in the activity that they set to observe |
Strength of non-participant observation? | Investigator effects and demand characteristics are less likely |
Weakness of non-particpants observations? | Researchers might miss behaviours of interest due to a lack of proximity |
What is a structued observation? | Behaviour is coded using behavioural categories |
Strength of a structured observation? | High levels of inter-observer reliability |
Weakness of a structured observation? | Can lack internal validity, observers miss observations |
What is a unstructed observation? | Every instance of behaviour is recorded and described |
Strength of a unstructed observation? | Rich data leads to a greater internal validity |
Weakness of a unstructed observation? | Lower levles of inter-observer reliability and general reliability |
What is naturalistic observations? | Takes place in a natural envrionment, where the behaviour usually occurs, unaltered |
A strength of naturalistic observations? | High ecological validity , takes place in a real life setting |
A weakness of naturalistic observations? | Low internal validity, no control over extraneous variables |
What is a controlled observation? | Takes place in a strict condition, extraneous variables controlled |
A strength of controlled observation? | Can be replicated to check for rebilicaity due to higher control |
A weakness of controlled observations? | Lower ecological validity. |