AQA Psychology - Research Methods - Observational Techniques
Observations are a research method that involves watching or listening to what people do in order to gather data, without asking them directly. This allows researchers to study natural behavior in real-time settings.
What are observations?
A way of seeing or listening to what people do without having to ask them
Key Terms
What are observations?
A way of seeing or listening to what people do without having to ask them
Why observations usually used?
A way of assessing the the DV
What are observational methods?
Scientific
Focusing on particular categories of behaviours or events
Objective system
Why do psychologists uses observations?
To study particular behaviours
- Study natural behaviours, where it would be unethical
What do observational studies reveal about different aspects of behaviours?
What people say and do are very different
- Capture spontaneous, unexpected behaviour
What do observations not provide information about?
How they think/feel
Related Flashcard Decks
Study Tips
- Press F to enter focus mode for distraction-free studying
- Review cards regularly to improve retention
- Try to recall the answer before flipping the card
- Share this deck with friends to study together
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
What are observations? | A way of seeing or listening to what people do without having to ask them |
Why observations usually used? | A way of assessing the the DV |
What are observational methods? |
|
Why do psychologists uses observations? |
- Study natural behaviours, where it would be unethical |
What do observational studies reveal about different aspects of behaviours? |
- Capture spontaneous, unexpected behaviour |
What do observations not provide information about? | How they think/feel |
What are different types of observations? |
|
What is a naturalistic observation? | Takes place where the target behaviour would normally occur |
Strengths of a naturalistic observation: | -High external validity = generalisation = high ecological validity |
Limitations of a naturalistic observation: | -Low control = uncontrolled extraneous variable = more difficult to detect patterns |
What is a controlled observation? | Some control/manipulation of variables including control of extraneous variables |
Strengths of controlled observations: | Replicated = high internal validity = standardised procedures |
Limitations of controlled observations: | Low external validity = low ecological validity |
What is a covert observation? | Participants are unaware they are being studied |
Strengths of covert observation: | -Reduced demand characteristics = increase validity |
Limitations of covert observation: | -Ethically questionable = deception/informed consent/confidintiality |
What is overt observation? | Participants are aware of being studied |
Strengths of overt observation: | More ethically acceptable = no deception/ right to withdraw highlighted |
Limitations of overt observations: | Increased demand characteristics = reduces the validity |
What is participant observation? | When a researcher becomes part of the group they are studying |
Strengths of participant observation: | Greater insight = increase in validity |
Limitations of participant observation: | Loss of objectivity = personal attachment with those of studying |
What is a non-participant observation? | When the researcher remains separate from the group they are studying |
Strengths of non-participant observation: | More objective = increase validity |
Limitation of non-participant observation: | Loss of insight = too far removed = reduces validity |