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Not all psychological research uses experiments. When it is not possible or appropriate to manipulate an IV, psychologists use non-experimental methods to study behaviour. These methods are valuable for exploring, describing, and understanding behaviour, but they cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships.
An observation involves watching and recording behaviour as it occurs, either in a natural setting or a controlled environment.
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Naturalistic | Observing behaviour in its natural setting without interference | Watching children play in a playground |
| Controlled | Observing behaviour in a structured, controlled environment | Watching children play in a laboratory playroom |
| Participant | The researcher joins the group being observed | A researcher joining a gang to study behaviour |
| Non-participant | The researcher watches from outside without joining | Watching through a one-way mirror |
| Overt | Participants know they are being observed | Announced classroom observation |
| Covert | Participants do not know they are being observed | Hidden camera observation |
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