Naturalistic and Observational Research Methods

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Questions and Answers

What is ecological validity in the context of naturalistic research?

  • The degree to which research finds statistical significance
  • The reliability of observational data over repeated studies
  • The extent to which research is conducted in everyday life situations (correct)
  • The accuracy of objective measurement in experimental settings

Which of the following best describes unacknowledged participant observation?

  • The observer participates openly in the community activities
  • The observer records behavior without any interaction or disclosure (correct)
  • The observer discusses their role with the subjects beforehand
  • The community is aware that they are being observed over time

What is a primary advantage of ecological validity in naturalistic research?

  • It allows for manipulation of variables in controlled settings
  • It focuses on subjective interpretations of events
  • It captures behavior in a realistic context (correct)
  • It ensures that participant behavior is statistically analyzed

Which method minimizes observer influence on participant behavior?

<p>Archival research (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does systematic observation involve?

<p>Predefining which observations are to be made based on theoretical expectations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can decrease reactivity during acknowledged participant observation?

<p>Building a rapport with the participants being observed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is involved in case studies?

<p>Descriptive records of individual experiences or behaviors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one limitation of archival research?

<p>The potential for incomplete or biased existing records (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting surveys?

<p>To produce a snapshot of opinions, attitudes, or behaviors of a group (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of interview is characterized by a structured set of questions?

<p>Structured interview (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of using questionnaires over interviews?

<p>They are less expensive and provide greater anonymity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a low response rate in surveys indicate?

<p>Potential issues with representativeness of the sample (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can the order of questions in a survey affect the results?

<p>It may lead to measurement error if not done correctly (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a representative sample in survey research?

<p>A sample that mirrors the population in key characteristics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of fixed-format items in structured interviews?

<p>They involve pre-determined response options (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which existing survey data source collects information every 10 years?

<p>U.S. Census (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Naturalistic Research

Describing and measuring behavior in everyday life settings.

Ecological Validity

How similar the research setting is to real-life.

Observational Research

Watching and carefully recording behavior.

Unacknowledged Participant

Observing without subjects knowing.

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Acknowledged Participant

Observing with subjects aware of observation.

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Case Studies

Detailed descriptions of individual experiences.

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Systematic Observation

Pre-planned observations focusing on specific behaviors.

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Archival Research

Analyzing existing records (e.g., documents, media).

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Survey

A method of collecting descriptive information about a group of people by asking them questions through interviews or questionnaires.

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Free-Format Interview

An unstructured interview where the interviewer and interviewee discuss topics freely, focusing on the respondent's interests and knowledge.

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Fixed-Format Interview

A highly structured interview using pre-prepared, closed-ended questions to collect objective, quantitative data.

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Questionnaire

A set of fixed-format, self-report items completed by respondents at their own pace, often without supervision, offering greater anonymity and potential for honesty.

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Response Rate

The percentage of people who complete and return a survey or questionnaire.

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Question Order

The order in which questions are presented in a survey can influence the responses.

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Population

The entire group of individuals that a researcher is interested in studying.

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Sample

A subset of a population that is selected for study, representing the larger population.

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Study Notes

Naturalistic Methods

  • Naturalistic research describes and measures behavior in everyday life, recording it as it happens, potentially by others or video.
  • This approach has ecological validity, meaning the research reflects real-life situations.

Observational Research

  • Observational research involves objectively observing and recording behavior.

Participant Observation

  • Unacknowledged Participant: Observing without subjects' knowledge. Ethical challenges and potential for observer influence.
  • Acknowledged Participant: Observing with subjects' knowledge. Reactivity (subject behavior changes due to observation) can decrease with time if accepted.

Alternatives to Acknowledged and Unacknowledged

  • Using one-way glass.
  • Recording activities without interaction.

Case Studies

  • Case studies are qualitative descriptions of one or more individuals' experiences or behavior.
  • Examples include studies by Jean Piaget and Sigmund Freud.

Systematic Coding Methods

  • Systematic observation specifies observations in advance, based on theoretical expectations about relevant events.

Archival Research

  • Archival research analyzes existing records to study public behavior.
  • Examples include newspaper articles, speeches, letters, broadcasts, websites, and surveys.

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Related Documents

Naturalistic Methods PDF
Surveys and Sampling PDF

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