Participant Observations:
In participant observations the researcher becomes a part of the experiment and acts as a member of the group whose behaviour they are observing.

Increased validity as the researchers get an increased insight into the lives of people being studied
There is a danger that the researcher may come to identify too strongly with those they are studying and lose objectivity

Non-Participant Observations:
In non-participant observations the researcher remains separate from those they are studying and records behaviour in a more objective manner

Allows the researcher to maintain an objective distance from their participants
Too far removed from the people and behaviour they are studying so get less of an insight

Objectivity means being influenced by personal opinions/past experiences, being free of bias

	Created by Caitlyn Grayston over 7 years ago

AS level Psychology (Research Methods) Note on Observational Techniques, created by Caitlyn Grayston on 21/05/2017.

Observational Techniques