5 Questions
Which of the following is a potential bias in observational research?
Participants changing their behavior in response to being observed
What is the main difference between naturalistic and participant observation?
The researcher is a part of the environment in participant observation
What is a potential limitation of case studies?
They may not be generalizable to larger populations
What can cause sampling error/bias in a research study?
The people who participate are not representative of the intended population
What factors can influence how people respond to questions in research studies?
The wording of questions and the desire to answer
Study Notes
Research Methods Biases and Limitations
- Potential bias in observational research: Social desirability bias, where participants adjust their behavior to present themselves in a more favorable light.
Types of Observation
- Naturalistic observation: Researchers observe participants in their natural environment without intervening or influencing their behavior.
- Participant observation: Researchers actively participate in the group or environment being observed, which can influence the behavior of participants.
Case Studies
- Potential limitation of case studies: Results may not be generalizable to other populations or contexts due to the small, specific sample size.
Sampling and Research Design
- Sources of sampling error/bias: Non-random sampling, low response rates, and inaccurate sampling frames can lead to unrepresentative samples.
- Factors influencing research responses: Social desirability bias, leading questions, and the interviewer's characteristics can influence how people respond to questions in research studies.
Test your knowledge on the differences between naturalistic and participant observation in research. Understand the potential biases that can arise in observational studies, including reactivity and the Hawthorne effect. Explore how disagreements among observers can impact the validity of findings.
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