This method involves observing people’s natural or freely chosen behaviour.
Observation can take place within an experiment, but the term “observational method” usually refers to research carried out in a natural environment like a town centre.
Controlled Observation
Controlled Observations measure people’s natural behaviour, but under contrived conditions. E.g a laboratory setting.
Advantages
- More controlled enabling more accurate observations.
- Easy to replicate
Disadvantages
- Validity problems. If the participants know that there behaviour is being observed their behaviour may change. This would mean that their behaviour was unnatural.
Naturalistic Observations
Naturalistic Observations involve the recording of people’s natural behaviour in a natural setting.
Advantages
- High in Ecological Validity
- This method is often the only appropriate and ethical method.
Disadvantages
- Cause and Effect can not be established
- Ethical Concerns. Is this an invasion of privacy?
