Research Methods (AQA A-Level Psychology): Flashcards

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Observational Techniques
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Naturalistic observation

Observing behaviour in natural environment without interference

Controlled observation

Observing in structured setting where researcher manages variables

Covert observation

Observing without participants' awareness or permission

Overt observation

Observing with participants' knowledge and informed consent

Participant observation

Researcher joins and becomes part of the group being studied

Non-participant observation

Researcher maintains distance, observing from outside the group

Fundamental limitation of ALL observational methods

Cannot establish cause and effect, only correlation

Strength of naturalistic observations

High external validity; findings apply to everyday life

Strength of covert observations

Eliminate participant reactivity; capture natural behaviour

Weakness of participant observations

Risk losing objectivity; researcher may 'go native'

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