Explain what is meant by 'covert observation', using the study by Bandura et al. (aggression) as an example.

Mark scheme

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

1. [1] (a) Covert observation means the observer is hidden or that the participants do not know the role of the observer (generic definition/detail).
2. [1] (a) In Bandura et al.'s study, a one-way mirror was used (linked detail).
3. [1] (a) So the children were unaware that they were being watched (linked detail).
4. [1] (b) Behaviour will be natural/unaffected by observers (advantage).
5. [1] (b) This leads to fewer demand characteristics (detail).
6. [1] (b) Or less social desirability bias (detail).
7. [1] (b) For example, in Bandura et al.'s study, children wouldn't act unnaturally good or naughty because they knew they were being watched (linked detail).