A-LevelPsychologyResearch methods9990/22 · May/June 2019 · Q810 Marks

Martha wants to conduct a study using a naturalistic observation of children playing. She is planning to observe the children in her local school.

(a)State what is meant by a 'naturalistic observation'.[1]
(b)Suggest one disadvantage of using a naturalistic observation in Martha's study.[2]
(c)Suggest how Martha could follow the ethical guideline of informed consent in her study.[3]
(d)Suggest how Martha could operationalise one play behaviour that she could observe.[2]
(e)Suggest what Martha would do if she were a covert observer.[2]

Mark scheme

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

[1] 1 mark for meaning.
Watching the behaviour of participants without interference from the researcher = 1 mark
Recording activities without manipulation of the environment / no controlled variables
[2] Both marks are for one disadvantage
At least one point must be linked to the study e.g. children's behaviour.
The behaviours the children do cannot be controlled/produced; (generic disadvantage)
So Martha might not see any play behaviour at all; (link)
For example the children might just sit and read all the time; (link)
The children's play may be affected by (extraneous / uncontrolled) variable e.g. temperature; (link)
Responses making appropriate reference to ethics (e.g. deception, children) may earn credit
[3] All marks are for way(s) to follow consent
At least one point must be linked to the study i.e. children.
There may be more than one suggestion.
She should ask the parents (because the participants are children);
she should also ask the teachers/school;
and the children themselves;
the request to the children must be simple enough for them to understand;
the request to parents/school must tell them enough about the study for them to decide whether the child/children should participate;
for example Martha should tell them her aim is to study play/that they will be observed whilst playing
[2] 1 mark for identifying a play behaviour
2nd mark for operationalising it.
skipping (= 1 mark)
swinging a rope and jumping over it/ each jump could be counted (= 2nd mark, operationalisation)
playing ball (= 1 mark)
throwing and catching a ball / each throw or catch could be counted (= 2nd mark, operationalisation)
playing tag (= 1 mark)
running after another child to 'catch' them (= 2nd mark, operationalisation)
[2] Both marks are for describing what a covert observer does.
At least one point must be linked to the study (other than simply saying 'she'/'Martha').
Martha must ensure the participants cannot see her/ do not know she is observing them/ are unaware she is an observer (= 1 generic)
for example, she could disguise herself as a dinner lady / playground attendant / she could watch out of a classroom window (= 2nd mark, linked)