Observation as a Research Method

Naturalistic observations

• are easy to replicate

• have a manipulated IV

• have high ecological validity

• are highly reliable

Naturalistic observations

• take place in real world settings

• have many controlled variables

• are easy to conduct

• are highly ethical

Structured observations

• Every participant has the exact same experience

• Are completely natural

• Are unreliable

• Lack standardisation

covert observations

• may be unethical

• participants knows they are being observed

• lack validity

• always qualitative

overt observations

• validity may be a weakness

• lack generalisability

• reliability is a strength

• tend to be unethical

Participant observations

• validity is a strength

• reliability is a strength

• ethics is a strength

• objectivity is a strength

In a non-participant observation, the researcher is part of the group being observed

• true

• false

Bandura's BoBo doll study is an example of

• a laboratory experiment

• a naturalistic observation

• a structured observation

• a non-participant observation

Qualitative researchers may record observational data in the form of

• field notes

• tally charts

• behavioural categories

• frequency tables

Using a one-way mirror can improve

• reliability

• generalisability

• ethics

• validity