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Observations (Controlled Observation The conditions are manipulated by the…
Observations
Controlled Observation The conditions are manipulated by the researcher, and is likely to be carried out in a laboratory setting
Advantages
High level of control over extraneous variables, therefore causal relationships can be established between the independent and dependent variables increasing internal validity
High reliability as the environment is controlled so observations can be repeated easily, to check consistency
Disadvantages
Lacks ecological validity as the environment doesn't reflect real life, making it more difficult to generalise the study beyond the setting of the study
Can encourage demand characteristics, as clues may be received from the observer, which will lower internal validity
Naturalistic Observation Watching natural behaviour in a natural environment, with no intervention or manipulation of variables
Advantages
No demand characteristics as participants are unaware of the study and so are unlikely to change their natural behaviour, increasing the studies internal validity
High ecological validity as the setting reflects real life, making it easier to generalise the findings beyond the study setting increasing the external validity
Disadvantages
Lacks reliability as it is difficult to replicate the observation in the same conditions in order to achieve consistent results
Lack of informed consent, as participants are unaware of their involvement in the observation and so could result in ethical issues
Overt Observation Participants are aware their behaviour is being observed, so will be aware of the purpose of the research, and the researcher is clearly visible to the participant
More ethically appropriate as participants are aware they are being observed and so are able to give valid consent for their data to be used
Prone to demand characteristics as participants are aware of the nature of the study and are likely to change their natural behaviour lowering the internal validity
Non-Participant Observation The researcher is not involved with the group, with data being collected from a distance
The researcher isn't part of the group so there is a reduced chance of bias therefore increasing the internal validity
The researcher may miss part of the behaviour as they aren't part of the group meaning understanding isn't as in-depth as that of a participant observation
Participant Observation The researcher is involved with the group, with data being collected whilst the researcher is part of a group or situation
The researcher can gain an in-depth understanding of the group's behaviour as they are part of the group and won't miss important aspects
The researcher becomes part of the group meaning their is greater chances of bias in the research findings lowering the internal validity
Covert Observation Observations that are conducted without the participants knowledge, this can be done through the observer being hidden e.g two-way mirror
Less prone to demand characteristics as participants are unaware of the observation so are unlikely to change their natural behaviour increasing internal validity
Participants are unaware they are being studied raising ethical issues such as a lack of valid consent and an invasion of privacy which will need to be resolved