When studying learning theories you will have covered the observational research method for human research - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 13 - 2018 - Paper 1

Observational methods provide valuable insights into human behaviour through direct observation. These methods can be classified into different types, each with its strengths and limitations.

Types of Observations

1. Non-Participant Observation: In this setup, the observer does not engage with the group, allowing for an unobtrusive analysis of behaviour. This method minimizes the risk of participant bias as the behaviour of individuals is observed naturally.

2. Participant Observation: Here, the researcher becomes part of the group, which can yield deeper understanding and context of the behaviour being studied. However, the presence of the researcher may influence the behaviour of participants, potentially skewing results.

3. Structured Observations: This type involves predefined criteria for what behaviours to observe, which can lead to quantitative data collection. However, these observations may miss nuanced behaviours that are not initially considered important.

4. Covert Observation: Conducted without participant knowledge, this can eliminate the observer effect. However, it raises ethical concerns regarding informed consent.

Evaluating Usefulness

• Rich Data: Observational methods often provide detailed qualitative data that can capture the complexity of human behaviour.
• Contextual Insight: They allow researchers to study behaviour in natural settings, offering insights that experimental or survey methods may not reveal.
• Ethical Considerations: While observational methods can provide valuable data, ethical issues must be considered, especially with covert observation which can breach participant trust.
• Validity and Reliability: Participant and structured observations may raise questions about the validity of findings if the researcher biases the data collection process or if the setting influences behaviour.

In conclusion, observational methods are useful for studying human behaviour as they provide unique insights and contextual understanding. However, researchers must be mindful of the ethical implications and potential biases inherent in these methods.