Table XX provides details of some of the observational studies you have learned about in this Unit. The O’ Connor study is interesting as the main method is randomised control trial and observation is used to collect the data. Although the setting is naturalistic, the tasks are structured and standardised, as every child is observed doing the same things, but in their own homes.

Exam tip If you are asked to outline what is meant by any of the types of observation, try to illustrate with an example to show your full understanding of the concepts after you have defined them. In the Unit 3 Developmental psychology, it is critical that your example relates back to studies relating to attachment, cognitive, language, social and emotional development.

Table

Study	Type of observation	Description
Ainsworth’s ethnographic studies in Uganda	Naturalistic, overt, unstructured	Observations were carried out within the family homes where Ainsworth observed mother-infant interactions and made detailed qualitative field notes.
Ainsworth’s Strange Situation Procedure	Non-participant, structured, controlled setting	Used time sampling and rating scales (see page XX) to assess attachment security and classify infants into Type A, B or C.
O’Connor et al. (2013). See page XX.	Naturalistic setting but standardised tasks, structured observation as part of a randomised control trial	Observations were filmed in the families’ homes before and after the parenting intervention and six months later. Used event sampling (tallying positive and negative parental behaviours) and scored sensitivity of a seven point scale; three sections to each observation; free play, highly structured LEGO challenge, tidying away the toys.

Activity: For each of the studies above, rate them on a scale of 1-7 with regard to validity, reliability and ethical and practical issues. Remember reliability is about the extent to which the data is consistent, e.g. if two researchers observe the same child, would they be in agreement about how to classify or rate the child’s behaviour? Also, if the study does not follow a standardised procedure then it can be difficult to replicate meaning the reliability of the findings cannot be checked. Validity refers to the extent to which you are measuring what you intended to measure. Ideally, you want participants to behave naturally and not be affected by demand characteristics or researcher bias. Ethically, you need to avoid harm, (e.g. by terminating trials quickly if a participant shows signs of severe distress),  ensure participants fully understand the purpose of the observation and that they have the right to withdraw, keep data confidential and avoid invasion of privacy.