Observational Research in Psychology ch4
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Questions and Answers

What is the main goal of observational research?

  • To analyze individual psychological traits
  • To manipulate participant behavior
  • To establish a cause-and-effect relationship
  • To infer broader behavioral patterns from a sample (correct)
  • External validity refers to the generalizability of research findings across different populations.

    True (A)

    What are the two primary methods of sampling behavior in observational research?

    Time sampling and situation sampling

    _________ sampling is used when selecting predetermined time intervals for observations.

    <p>Time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>External Validity = Generalizability across different populations Representative Samples = Samples that accurately reflect a larger population Time Sampling = Selecting predetermined time intervals Event Sampling = Observing infrequent behaviors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential limitation of observing only college students in research?

    <p>They may not represent general student populations or societal behavior (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Systematic time sampling is more effective than random time sampling for observing infrequent behaviors.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to establish external validity in observational research?

    <p>To demonstrate findings can be generalized beyond the observed group.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of situation sampling?

    <p>To enhance external validity by observing behaviors across different settings. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Observation with intervention allows researchers to manipulate variables.

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

    What is one major category of observational methods?

    <p>Observation without Intervention</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Naturalistic observation is an example of __________ observation.

    <p>unobtrusive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the observational techniques with their descriptions:

    <p>Naturalistic Observation = Unobtrusive observation in natural settings Participant Observation = Researcher engages in the environment being studied Structured Observation = Specific situations created to observe behaviors Field Experiments = Manipulation of variables in a naturalistic setting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a disadvantage of participant observation?

    <p>It can lead to observer bias and loss of objectivity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Structured observation entails researchers creating specific scenarios to observe behavior.

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

    What study illustrated the concept of change blindness?

    <p>Simons and Levin (1998)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does low interobserver reliability indicate?

    <p>Variability in observers’ ratings (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Observer bias can be reduced by keeping observers aware of all aspects of the study.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one technique to mitigate observer influence on natural behaviors?

    <p>Concealed observation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    ___ levels and biases can affect the reliability of observational research.

    <p>Observer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the challenges of observational research with their descriptions:

    <p>Observer Influence = Natural behaviors change when being watched Observer Bias = Expectations lead to systematic inaccuracies Reactivity = The impact of knowing one is observed Blind Observation = Minimizing preconceptions by limiting information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of field experiments?

    <p>To manipulate variables in natural settings (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Quantitative records focus on comprehensive behavioral documentation.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What methods are used for qualitative records?

    <p>Videotapes, audiotapes, and field notes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    ______ involves coding narrative records and validating conclusions in observational research.

    <p>Qualitative Analysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of observations with their characteristics:

    <p>Qualitative Records = Rich, detailed, resource-intensive documentation Quantitative Records = Focuses on measurable outcomes and statistical analysis Reliability = Consistency of observations across different viewers Validity = Accuracy of observations in measuring what is intended</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scale of measurement is NOT part of quantitative records?

    <p>Thematic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Reliability refers to the accuracy of observations in observational research.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key outcome of quantitative analysis in observational data?

    <p>Statistical averages and clear interpretations of data.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Observational Research

    A research method in psychology where researchers gather data about people's behavior without changing it.

    Sampling in Observation

    Selecting individuals, times, behaviors, and situations to learn patterns from a broader group.

    External Validity

    How much research results apply to other people, places, and times.

    Representative Sample

    A sample that mirrors the key features of the larger group it represents.

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    Time Sampling

    Picking specific time periods for observation, done regularly or randomly.

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    Situation Sampling

    Choosing different situations for observing behavior.

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    Event Sampling

    A method used to observe something that happens infrequently.

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    Sample Acquisition

    Selection of individuals, moments, behaviors, and contexts to understand broader trends.

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    Observation without Intervention

    Unobtrusive observation in natural settings, aiming for the natural occurrence of behavior.

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    Observation with Intervention

    Methods involving researcher manipulation, such as participant observation, structured observation, and field experiments.

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    Naturalistic Observation

    Unobtrusive observation of behaviors without influencing the environment.

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    Participant Observation

    Researchers actively engage in the studied environment. Risk of bias if researcher gets too involved.

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    Structured Observation

    Creating specific situations to observe behaviors, often using assistants (confederates).

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    Change Blindness

    Missing obvious changes in a scene due to limitations in attention.

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    Field Experiments

    Researchers manipulate variables in natural settings to observe behavior changes.

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    Qualitative Records

    Used for comprehensive behavioral documentation; methods include videotapes, audiotapes, and field notes.

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    Quantitative Records

    Focus on measuring selected behaviors quantitatively (e.g., frequency counts, durations) for statistical analysis.

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    Qualitative Analysis

    Coding narrative records, arranging data meaningfully, and validating conclusions to create theories.

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    Quantitative Analysis

    Using specific behaviors to measure outcomes. Includes calculations like percentages and averages (mean, standard deviation).

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    Reliability

    Consistency of observations across different viewers or criteria.

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    Recording Behavior

    Observational findings can be reported through both qualitative and quantitative records.

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    Analyzing Observational Data

    Analysis depends on how the data was collected and the types of measurements.

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    Interobserver Reliability

    The consistency of observations between different researchers. Low reliability suggests problems with the measurement technique or training.

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    Observer Influence

    When the presence of an observer alters the behavior of the subjects being observed.

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    Observer Bias

    When researchers' preconceptions or expectations influence their observations, leading to systematic errors.

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    Concealed Observation

    A technique where researchers observe subjects without their knowledge, minimizing the observer effect.

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    Blind Observation

    A technique where observers are unaware of the key details of a study that could influence their observations, reducing bias.

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    Study Notes

    Overview of Observational Research

    • Observational research is a critical method in psychology
    • It allows researchers to gather data about behavior without manipulating variables
    • Researchers cannot observe all behaviors of every individual or an entire population
    • Sampling techniques are used to collect representative data

    Sampling in Observational Research

    • The goal is to infer broader behavioral patterns from a representative sample of a larger population
    • Sample acquisition: Researchers select individuals, moments, behaviors, and contexts to understand broader trends
    • External validity: This refers to the degree to which findings can be generalized across different populations, environments, and conditions
    • Establishing external validity is crucial to determine if the sample's findings apply beyond the observed group

    Methods of Sampling Behavior

    • Time sampling: Selecting predetermined time intervals for observation (systematically or randomly) to observe behaviors
    • Less effective for infrequent behaviors, in which case event sampling may be used
    • Situation sampling: Observing behavior across different settings or conditions to enhance external validity
    • This can involve selecting subjects within the environment to create a more inclusive sample of the population

    Classification of Observational Methods

    • Observational methods are categorized into two major groups with different methodologies

    Observation without Intervention

    • Unobtrusive observation in natural settings to depict behavior as it occurs naturally. This strengthens external validity
    • Observation with intervention includes methods like participant observation, structured observation, and field experiments, where the researcher may manipulate variables and observe resultant behaviors.

    Observation Techniques: Pros and Cons

    • Naturalistic Observation: Documenting behaviors without interfering. Ethical considerations are important, as manipulation can lead to complications
    • Participant Observation: Researchers actively engage within the studied environment. Potential biases can occur if observers become too involved or lose objectivity, particularly in disguised situations.
    • Structured Observation: Creating specific situations to observe behaviors employing confederates. Examples include studies on change blindness.

    Field Experiments

    • Researchers manipulate variables in natural settings to observe behavior changes. Maintaining control is vital to ensure the variables effectively influence outcomes

    Recording Behavior

    • Observational findings can be reported using qualitative or quantitative methods.

    • Qualitative Records: Used when detailed documentation of behaviors is essential (e.g., videotapes, audiotapes, field notes). They allow for deeper behavioral understanding but can be resource-intensive.

    • Quantitative Records: Focus on measuring selected behaviors numerically (e.g., frequency counts, durations, scales). This enables statistical analysis to establish clearer behavioral patterns.

    Analyzing Observational Data

    • The analysis of observational data depends on how the data was recorded and the chosen measurement scale. Qualitative and quantitative approaches exist.
    • Qualitative Analysis: Involves using narrative records, arranging data meaningfully, and validating conclusions. It aims to construct theories based on observed behaviors.
    • Quantitative Analysis: Leverages specific measurable behaviors, such as percentages, averages, to facilitate clear interpretations of the data

    Reliability and Validity in Observational Research

    • Reliability: Refers to the consistency of observations across different viewers or criteria, while ensuring that observers’ variability doesn't compromise data quality
    • Factors affecting reliability: Observer characteristics (attention levels, biases); clarity of behavioral criteria defined for observation.
    • Validity: The degree to which findings can be generalized across different populations, environments, and conditions

    Challenges and Critical Considerations

    • Observer Influence (Reactivity): Behaviors can change simply because individuals are aware that they are being observed. Concealed observation or adapting an observer's presence can mitigate this issue.
    • Observer Bias: Preconceived expectations or biases can skew observations, potentially resulting in inaccurate interpretations. Keeping observers unaware of certain aspects of the study can reduce bias.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the essential concepts of observational research in psychology, including sampling techniques and external validity. Learn how researchers gather data on behaviors without manipulation and the importance of representative sampling. Test your understanding of methods like time sampling and their implications for broader behavioral patterns.

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