Mastering Naturalistic Observation

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Which research method in psychology is useful for studying traumatic brain injuries?

Natural observation
Descriptive research
Experimental research (correct)
Correlational research

What do measures of central tendency and variability tell us about data in psychology?

They indicate the strength of a correlation
They determine the statistical significance of results
They provide information about the spread of data (correct)
They describe the shape of the data distribution

Which learning objective in psychology focuses on the application of ethical principles in research with human participants?

L.O. 2.2
L.O. 2.7
L.O. 2.1
L.O. 2.4 (correct)

What does psychology use the scientific method for?

To investigate behavior and mental processes (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, which stage of the scientific method involves testing a hypothesis?

Design and conduct experiments (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of descriptive research?

To identify 'what is' without necessarily understanding 'why it is' (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is naturalistic observation best described as?

Observation of behavior in a natural environment without manipulation or control (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is an operational definition in research?

A researcher's decision on how to measure a variable (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which step of the scientific method involves developing an experiment to test the hypothesis and collect data?

Design and conduct an experiment (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of gathering information in the scientific method?

To review the scientific literature and examine existing theories of behavior (C) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the professor's research, what is her hypothesis?

Students who have completed a graded assessment will be more likely to prepare for class (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of analyzing the data in the scientific method?

To determine whether the findings support the experimenter’s predictions (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what is the main advantage of naturalistic observation?

It allows us to understand behavior as it happens in the real world (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what is the Hawthorne effect?

A change in behavior as a result of being observed (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what does reactivity refer to?

A change in behavior as a result of being observed (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what is a disadvantage of naturalistic observation?

Researchers may not always be sure of what is influencing behavior (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct order of the scientific method?

Identify the problem, Gather information, Hypothesis, Design and conduct experiments, Data analysis and conclusions, Restart the process (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the best definition of a hypothesis?

The predicted outcome of an experiment or research study (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a part of the scientific method?

Theory (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when it is mentioned that a hypothesis is not definitively 'proven' in any absolute sense?

The hypothesis is subject to change (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what is the primary difference between rationalism and experimental methods in psychology?

Rationalism relies on reason and logical argument, while experimental methods rely on experience and observation (B) Signup and view all the answers

What did Aristotle believe about the role of the heart in human thoughts, perceptions, and emotions?

Aristotle believed that the heart was the seat of our senses and emotions (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the flaw in rationalism, as mentioned in the text?

The flaw in rationalism is that what we think is true about behavior is often different from how we actually behave (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of knowledge in experimental methods?

Experience and observation (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which research method involves the researcher becoming part of the group under investigation?

Participant observation (B) Signup and view all the answers

In what situations is participant observation the only way to gain access to a group?

When the group is secretive (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of participant observation as a research method?

It provides a more enriching experience (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main limitation of participant observation as a research method?

It can be intrusive and influence the findings (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is another term for participant observation?

Covert observation (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the historical association of participant observation?

Researchers temporarily living in small communities (A) Signup and view all the answers