1. Observations

2. Types of observation There are two main types of observation:
Naturalistic
Controlled

3. Naturalistic observations
The researcher observes naturally occurring behaviour. They do not interfere with what they see.
This cannot happen in an experiment where an IV is manipulated.
This can occur in a natural environment, away from a lab, and can result in high ecological validity.
Record all of the behaviours you see in this webcam of penguins at Edinburgh Zoo:

4. Controlled observations
This is where the researcher tries to control certain variables.
This could be easy in a lab.
One example is Mary Ainsworth (which you will soon study) – she measured the anxiety children experienced when separated from their mothers.
Another is the Bobo Doll, as seen here:

5. Observational techniques include:
Participant vs. non-participant observation
Participant = the researcher joins the group being studied.
Non-participant = observations are made outside of the group.
Disclosed and undisclosed observation
Disclosed = participants are aware they are being watched (overt).
Undisclosed = participants are not aware they are being watched (covert).
Structured and unstructured observation
Structured = the researcher knows what behaviours to look for and uses a checklist to record the frequency of behaviour.
Unstructured = the researcher watches the behaviour, with no system, possibly due to unpredictable behaviour.

6. Task
Use page 104 of the textbook to design three methods of data collection that could be used in observation:
Behavioural checklists
Coding systems
Rating systems
You are interested in studying the relationship between aggression and amount of time spent in day care.

7. Evaluation
Advantages of observational research
Disadvantages of observational research
What people say they do could be different to what they actually do – so using an observation increases the validity compared to questionnaires and interviews.
Is higher in ecological validity as it gives a more realistic picture of human behaviour.
Is ideal for preliminary investigation that can then be investigated further.
Little or no control over extraneous variables which means that something unknown to the observer may be affecting the behaviour being observed.
The observer may see what they want to see – this is called ‘observer bias’ and can lower the inter-rater reliability.
There are ethical issues if participants do not know that they are being watched. But if they do know they might change their behaviour.