Naturalistic observation
Observation of behaviour in a natural setting, with no investigator interference
- + High in ecological validity
- + Used to generate ideas for experimental research / validate experimental findings
- – No manipulation of variables = cannot infer cause+effect
- – Lack of control = no replication
- – Ethical problems = invasion of privacy
Controlled observation
Watching and recording behaviour within a structured environment to manipulate some variables
- + Replication is easy as less extraneous variables
- Cannot be applied to real life settings and low in ecological validity
Covert observation: Participants behaviour is watched and recorded without their knowledge or consent
Overt observation: Participants behaviour is watched and recorded with their knowledge and consent
Participant observation: The researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour he/she is watching and recording
Non-participant observation: The research remains outside of the group whose behaviour he/she is watching and recording