Natural Observation

Spontaneous behavior is recorded in a natural setting.

Participant Observation

The observer has direct contact with the group of people they are observing.

Overt Observations

The researcher tells the group he or she is conducting research (i.e. they know they are being observed).

Stratified Sampling

A stratified sample is a mini-reproduction of the population. Before sampling, the population is divided. For example, by gender, social class, education level, religion, etc. Then the population is randomly sampled within each category. If 38% of the population is college-educated, then 38% of the sample is randomly selected from the college-educated population.

Volunteer Sampling

Participants 'self select' themselves by responding to an invitation.

Volunteers could have different characteristics to non volunteers.

BPS code of conduct

Informed Consent
Debrief
Protection
Avoid deception
Confidentiality
Right to withdraw