Strengths and Limitations of Observations

Nota:

• Green - Strengths Red - Limitations

1. Participant Observation

   Nota:

   • The observer takes part in what they are observing.
   1. Increases the Ecological validity

      Nota:

      • As participants will behave as they normally do, unaware that they are being observed.
   2. Reduces the chance of Demand Characteristics
   3. Tha participant observer is able to gain valid insight.
   4. Very unethical if covert

      Nota:

      • -There is no write to withdrawal. -The participants are being decived as they do not know they are being observed. - No consent is being/has been given.
   5. There is always the chance that a participant realises they are being observed.

      Nota:

      • And will react accordingly, causing the results to lose validility.
   6. Generally time comsuming in relation to the amount of data that is normally collected.
   7. Small groups are normally observed which are not representative.
   8. Low reliability as the observations cannot normally be checked.

      Nota:

      • Mainly for a Covert Observations which cannot be recorded with ease or making the participants realise that they are being observed.
2. Unstructured Observation

   Nota:

   • The researcher records all of the behaviour that they see. (Event sampling for example.)
3. Non-participant Observation

   Nota:

   • Observing only with no interaction with the participants task.
4. Undisclosed (Covert) Observations

   Nota:

   • Participants are unaware that they are being observed.
5. Structured Observation

   Nota:

   • The researchers design a type of coding scheme to record participant behaviour.
6. Controlled Observation

   Nota:

   • Normally conducted in laboratory conditions, where variables are controlled throughout the observation.
   1. The control of variables may create demand characteristics.
   3. The control of variables will decrease the ecological validity of the results.
7. Disclosed (Overt) Observations

   Nota:

   • Participants are aware of their observers.