Obsrvational Methods

Question 1

What are observational methods?

Answer 1

Research in which the experimenter does not manipulate any variable or assign subjects to condition.
Also know as non-experimental or obtrusive research

Question 2

What is observational methods also known as?

Answer 2

Non-experimental
Unobtrusive

Question 3

Reasons can we not manipulate variables in psychology?

Answer 3

• long lasting effect
• ethical reasons

Question 4

Whats observation used in experiments?

Answer 4

Used to measure the depdent variable

Question 5

Define non-experimental?

Answer 5

The researcher observes relatively unconstrained segment of a persons freely chosen behaviour

• watching and recording behaviour but no change towards it

Question 6

If an investigation is given the tile observational what does this indicate?

Answer 6

The design rather than the techniques

Question 7

What are the benefits of observation?

Answer 7

Solves some of the problems produced by artificial conditions
Minimises demand characterises

Question 8

Advantages of observation?

Answer 8

• produces immediate data of real behaviour
• gather data on behaviour which you can’t in experimentation
• completely genuine behaviour unconstrained by lab

Question 9

Disadvantages of observation?

Answer 9

• peoples behaviour can be affected by the awareness of being observed
• time consuming
• not being able to identify cause and effect

Question 10

Define naturalistic observation?

Answer 10

• particpants watched in natural environment
• disturbed little as possible

Question 11

Define laboratory observation?

Answer 11

Watched in lab

Question 12

Define particpants observation?

Answer 12

Observe joins the group in order to record behaviour which

Question 13

Whats some ethical controversies with particpants observation?

Answer 13

• invasion of privacy
• potential experimenter objectivity difficulties
• changing results simply by being a member of the group

Question 14

Whats non-participant observation?

Answer 14

Observation from a distance

Question 15

The main features of a structured observation?

Answer 15

• defining behaviour categories to be recorded
• sampling the behaviour in a consistent manner
• training the observes in the use of coding system and achieve good level of agreement

Question 16

Whats the type of devices they use to conduct a structured observation?

Answer 16

• visual recording
• still camera
• audio
• hand written notes on the spot or grid

Question 17

Whats code?

Answer 17

Oservsers will code behaviour as they view a recording

Question 18

Whats event coding?

Answer 18

Recording whenever a specifc behaviour happens - note it down

Question 19

What’s interval coding?

Answer 19

Coding that happens over periods of time

Question 20

Whats it called when intervals are not consecutive in interval coding?

Answer 20

Time sampling

Question 21

What’s code behaviour seen as?

Answer 21

Reliability

Question 22

Whats inter- observer reliability?

Answer 22

Observers need to agree on what they are looking at and quantifying

• if there is a good agreement between observes, we don’t know whether they are doing it correctly but at least they are consistent as a group

Question 23

What does reliability mean?

Answer 23

There is consistency between observes

Question 24

What does controlled observations refer to?

Answer 24

Labortory studies in which the researchers control the environment

Question 25

Whats the limations of experiments being int he laboratory?

Answer 25

- dimished external validity - demand characteristics

Question 26

Whats an example of naturalists behaviour?

Answer 26

Piaget with his own children, as he wanted them everyday in natural environment and recorded their behaviour

Question 27

What type of data is often gathered through non-participant observation?

Answer 27

Rich qualitative data

Question 28

How can qualitative observational data be analyzed later?

Answer 28

By imposing structure and using trained observations

Question 29

What qualitative techniques can be used to analyze observational data?

Answer 29

Descriptions of behavior and interviews

Question 30

: Give an example of a study that used interviews alongside observation

Answer 30

Milgrams study

Question 31

What are some limitations of using descriptions of behavior in observational studies?

Answer 31

Distortion or omission of behavior and the halo effect (bias from first impressions)

Question 32

What is role play and simulation in observational studies?

Answer 32

A technique where participants act out social roles in dramatic situations.

Question 33

What is an active role in role play?

Answer 33

When a participant is asked to play a role within a specific setting (e.g., chairperson of a group).

Question 34

What is a non-active role in role play?

Answer 34

When a participant watches a role-play or simulation and reports feelings or reactions.

Question 35

What are limitations of role play and simulation?

Answer 35

It can be non-spontaneous, passive, and participants may behave in socially desirable ways, not reflecting true behavior

Question 36

What is the diary method in observational studies?

Answer 36

Recording daily observations, often by the observer, to collect natural and intimate data

Question 37

Who famously used the diary method in research?

Answer 37

Charles Darwin, observing the growth and development of his son

Question 38

What is an advantage of the diary method?

Answer 38

Participants act naturally, especially in familiar environments like their homes, providing rich and genuine data.

Question 39

What is a limitation of the diary method?

Answer 39

The perspective of the diary writer can introduce bias.

Question 40

When else can diaries be kept during observational studies?

Answer 40

During participant observation, diaries can be kept at the end of the day.

Question 41

What is participant observation?

Answer 41

A trained observer joins a group as a member to study it without altering its natural behavior.

Question 42

Who often uses participant observation?

Answer 42

Cultural anthropologists.

Question 43

Why use participant observation?

Answer 43

To understand the meaning behind behaviors from the group’s perspective.

Question 44

What are the degrees of participation in participant observation

Answer 44

Full participant Participant as observer Observer as participant Full observer (non-participant)

Question 45

What is a major concern with participant observation?

Answer 45

Ethical problems related to consent and deception

Question 46

What is a case study?

Answer 46

An observation of a unique situation, usually involving a single individual, animal, institution, or group.

Question 47

What characterizes a case study?

Answer 47

The uniqueness of the individual or situation.

Question 48

What is the main value of case studies?

Answer 48

Providing rich, detailed data.

Question 49

How did Bromley (1986) describe case studies?

Answer 49

As the "bedrock of scientific investigation."

Question 50

What is archival evidence?

Answer 50

Using existing data or records to answer research questions.

Question 51

What is archival data?

Answer 51

Factual information found in existing records or archives

Question 52

What are limitations of using archival data?

Answer 52

Data was collected for a different purpose Difficult to rule out alternative hypotheses No real possibility of informed consent