Describe Naturalistic Observation ?
- Researcher observes and records behavior in a real-world setting
- No interference
(ex: observe behavior of people in parcs, metros, classrooms …)
What is the use of Naturalistic Observation ?
To describe behavior that might lead to better predictions in future studies
What are weaknesses of naturalistic observation ? (3)
- Cannot determine cause and effect
- Takes time !
- Researcher bias (ex: who’s more agressive boys or girls = bias towards boys)
Main strength of Naturalistic Observation ?
- No participant bias
= Authentic behavior
What is Participant Observation ?
Joining a group in their natural setting
(ex: Jane Goodall with Chimps, street gangs, religious cult)
Main strength of Participant Observation ? (1)
- No participant bias =
True, authentic, behavior
Weaknesses of Participant observation ? (2)
- Violating ( or not having) the privacy or consent of the group being studied
- Study must be approved by ethics committee (approval of research)
What is laboratory observation ?
Observing behavior in a lab
Strengths of Laboratory observation ? (3)
- More control
- Informed consent of participants
- Better measurement of behavior
-Time efficient
Weaknesses of Laboratory observation ?
- Participants bias
(Ex: reality TV shows, behavior changes, not natural )
(How to avoid ? – Use partial deception, ex: hidden cameras)
Describe the method of, Survey ?
Interview and questionnaires to study certain behaviors
Strengths of conducting Survey research ? (3)
Time and Cost efficient, Large sample size (random, variety is needed)
Weaknesses of Survey ?
- Possible innacurate data
(ex: memory innacuracy) (not everyone tells the truth… especially with private questions on behaviors that can be subject to judgement. ex: drug uses…)
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What is a case study ?
Observing one person or one group of people over a long period of time (that have experienced something rare or unique
Why are case studies helpful ?
To describe behavior that might lead to better predictions in future studies
Strength of case study ?
In depth analysis of a person
Weakness of case study ? (2)
- Not generalizable
- Cannot determine cause and effect
What is correlational research
Relashionship between 2 or more variables (delinquent behavior - school grades),
not cause effect
Positive Correlation is….
when both variables go up or down together ! (Higher IQ = higher grades)
Negative Correlation is…
when one variable goes up, and the other goes down ! (higher grades = less delinquent behavior)
So, descriptive research has four branches…. what are they ?
Naturalistic, correlational, survey, case study
also, psychological tests !
What is an operational definition ?
A hypothesis that has be restated, to make it a more testable one
What is determinism ?
all actions are determined by causes external to the will
Cognitive research focuses on higher mental processes…. (7)
Language, memory, thinking, descision, problem-solving, thinking, judging
