Summary
Summary psychology- observational technqiues
- Module
- Research Methods
- Institution
- AQA
This is my cornell notes about "Observational Techniques" based on A Level AQA Psychology's "Research Methods" topic.
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
Content preview
Topic: Psychology- Observational TechniquesKey points/ Notes/Diagrams:
Main Ideas/
Covert observation- When participants are unaware that they are being observed
Questions: (psychologists go undercover to do their observation- closed).
- Behaviour is more natural. Increased validity.
What is covert - Ethical issues- only acceptable to observe people in public places if
observation? behaviours aren’t private ones.
What is overt Overt observation- Participants are aware that they’re being observed. The
observation? psychologists are open that they’re doing the observation.
- More ethical than covert. Participants are given informed consent.
What is naturalistic - Participants are likely to behave differently from usual if they know that
observation? they’re being watched- demand characteristics.
What is controlled Naturalistic observation- Behaviour is observed in a natural environment. Study
observation? takes place in the setting or context where the behaviour would usually occur
(prisons, schools, hospitals, offices etc.)
What is participant - High external validity- results can be generalised to everyday life.
observation? - Lacks control over research situations and makes replication of investigation
difficult. Uncontrolled extraneous variables.
What non-participant
observation? Controlled observation- There are some controls over the independent variable.
Psychologists usually record dependent variables by a two-way mirror. Useful for
What’s the difference controlling extraneous variables.
between overt and - Extraneous variables are less of a factor, so replication of observation is
covert observations? easier.
- Findings cannot be easily applied to real life settings.
What are the pros
and cons of each Participant observation- When the observer joins in with the group of people they’re
observation? studying.
- Researchers can experience the situation from the participants point of view,
giving more realistic results and increasing validity.
- Researchers may come to identify too strongly with those they’re studying
and lose objectivity.
Non-participant observation- Researchers observe from a distance but don’t
interfere with the studies.
- Researcher can be more objective when standing back from the group being
observed
- Researchers may miss special insights into behaviour that can only be
gained “from the inside”
Summary: Overt- more ethical, people aware of being observed, unnatural. Covert- more natural,
increased validity, people unaware of being observed, unethical. Naturalistic- high external validity,
generalisable, lacks control over research situations. Controlled- extraneous factors less of a factor, findings
cant be applied to real life settings. Participant- researchers become participants, identify too strongly. Non-
participant- researchers more objective, special insights missed.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller rojivimalakaran. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £5.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
73314 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy revision notes and other study material for 14 years now