Evaluation of the Observational Method

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Psychology. 3/12/2012 Evaluation of the observational method. STRENGTHS. - Natural observations produce data that have high ecological validity. This is a strength because the participants are observed in the setting where the target behaviour normally occurs so therefore you can apply your results to a real life situation. - Observational studies tend to provide a more holistic view of a persons behaviour than the narrowly defined behaviour tested in experimental studies. This is a strength because, it allows you to see the whole picture not just a certain set of results so therefore the results are more realistic. LIMITATIONS. - Well organised observations are difficult and time consuming and it isn't possible to observe large numbers of people at the same time. This is a limitation because you use up a lot of time and also you may miss certain/important things if observing large numbers so therefore you are likely to get bad results or miss important results. - In observations where there is a a single observer, there is a chance that observer bias may occur. This is a limitation because the target may be told to act in a certain way so therefore it creates unfair and invalid results. Case Studies. What is a case study? - An in depth evaluation of a single individual or a small group - Largely used by professional psychologists working in clinical or therapeutic settings. - Case studies can help us develop theories. - Descriptive accounts of the patient will be generated and these will be interpreted in the light of scientific theory. Evaluation of the case study method. STRENGTHS. - The data are detailed, qualitative and meaningful. Thos is a strength because the data that you collect is useful and it is quality so therefore the results are going to be reliable and you will get a

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