Explain what is meant by a 'covert observation'.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] 1 mark for 'hidden'/'unaware'
2. [1] 1 mark for detail (can be of 'observation' or of 'covert' e.g. how they are going to be hidden e.g. in disguise)
3. observation is watching behaviour (and listening) and recording it = 1 mark
4. covert is where the participants are unaware of the observer = 1 mark
5. because they are physically hidden/ not present / not apparent = 1 mark
6. e.g. by using one-way mirrors / cameras = 1 mark
7. [2] Both marks are for one disadvantage of conducting
8. being covert may make it hard to see all behaviours = 1st mark
9. e.g. restricted by moving around conspicuously/ by video camera angle = 2nd mark
10. may make it hard to record behaviour at the time / need to remember record and write it down after = 1st
11. because if you are spotted taking notes it would break your cover = 2nd mark
12. Max 1 for any response about ethics as these are about the consequences not the conduct of a covert observation