Section B: Exam Questions 1.Briefly outline the observation method used in psychology. (4) 2. Describe two pieces of research that use the observation method. (8) 3. Discuss the strengths and limitations of using observation to investigate behaviour. (12) 4. Compare the correlation method with the observational method. (8) 5. Discuss the usefulness of using observation in research. (8)

4 Points to Outline an Observation

You will need to provide evidence from both AS and A2 to support the points you will make in Section B of this paper. List study and show how it is an observation AS: A2: Observation

Be prepared to be able to do this if they also ask specifically for types of observations. ST: WK: Discuss the strengths and limitations of using observation to investigate behaviour. (12)

Guidance Just like at AS you need to write 4 paragraphs: 2 strengths and 2 weaknesses However, you will use the following format: P C E C

Strength Point: A strength of using an observation, specifically a, structured observation, is that they can be high in internal validity. Comment: This is a strength because the researchers can draw cause and effect conclusion.

Evidence: For example, in Bandura a structured observation was used to record a child’ physical and verbal behaviour. Bandura used time sampling and a coding scheme to determine if children can learn aggressive behaviour from a role model. Comment: Using a structured observation is a strength as Bandura was able to conclude that aggressive role models can cause child to become aggressive themselves. This is a strength for society as by determining cause and effect children can be taught to be less aggressive.

Strength PCECPCEC

Weakness Point: A weakness of using observations, specifically participant observation is that researcher bias can affect results. Comment: This is a weakness as researcher bias can make the conclusions that researchers make less valid.

Weakness Evidence: Comment:

Weakness P: C: E: C: