A controlled observation was designed to investigate the decision-making and conflict-resolution strategies of corporate executives under high-pressure scenarios. The sample comprised 60 newly appointed junior executives: 30 who were promoted internally within the company, and 30 who were external hires.
The study took place in a dedicated, soundproofed board room fitted with high-definition video cameras and audio recording equipment. The room contained a large oval table with predefined seating arrangements and a digital countdown timer mounted on the wall.
Each participant was introduced to a partner (who was actually a confederate trained to display a highly uncooperative negotiation style) by a facilitator. Using a standardised script, the facilitator instructed the executive that they had exactly ten minutes to negotiate and sign a resource allocation agreement under a simulated financial crisis. The facilitator then left the room. The executive's behavior, verbal cues, and body language were observed covertly from an adjacent observation booth through a one-way mirror.
Identify one limitation of controlled observations.
Practise AQA A Level Psychology Observational techniques with exam-style questions for A Level Psychology. 30 questions, matched to the AQA A Level Psychology (7182) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.