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Questions and Answers
What is the primary advantage of uncontrolled, or naturalistic, observation?
What is the primary advantage of uncontrolled, or naturalistic, observation?
What type of observational procedure involves the observer participating in the situation being observed?
What type of observational procedure involves the observer participating in the situation being observed?
What is used to improve the objectivity and efficiency of observations?
What is used to improve the objectivity and efficiency of observations?
What is the primary limitation of uncontrolled, or naturalistic, observation?
What is the primary limitation of uncontrolled, or naturalistic, observation?
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What is used to analyze self-observations obtained from diaries and other personal documents?
What is used to analyze self-observations obtained from diaries and other personal documents?
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What type of observational procedure involves creating a detailed record of one's own behavior?
What type of observational procedure involves creating a detailed record of one's own behavior?
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What is the most widely employed and accepted method of personality assessment?
What is the most widely employed and accepted method of personality assessment?
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What type of observation involves observing people in a natural, everyday setting?
What type of observation involves observing people in a natural, everyday setting?
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What is the benefit of training teachers to make objective observations of schoolchildren's behavior?
What is the benefit of training teachers to make objective observations of schoolchildren's behavior?
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What is a common example of uncontrolled observation in psychology research?
What is a common example of uncontrolled observation in psychology research?
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What is the main difference between uncontrolled and controlled observation?
What is the main difference between uncontrolled and controlled observation?
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Why do some people engage in casual or informal observation of others?
Why do some people engage in casual or informal observation of others?
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What is a common application of attitude measurement in research?
What is a common application of attitude measurement in research?
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What is a notable feature of attitude scales published in the research literature?
What is a notable feature of attitude scales published in the research literature?
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Which researchers assembled a comprehensive collection of attitude scales?
Which researchers assembled a comprehensive collection of attitude scales?
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What is a limitation of attitude scales compared to standardized tests of cognitive abilities?
What is a limitation of attitude scales compared to standardized tests of cognitive abilities?
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What is a common coefficient range for Thurstone- and Likert-type scales?
What is a common coefficient range for Thurstone- and Likert-type scales?
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What is a topic of research that has been investigated using attitude measurement?
What is a topic of research that has been investigated using attitude measurement?
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Study Notes
Observations of Behavior
- Observations of behavior is one of the oldest and most precise methods of personality assessment
- Observations can be formal or informal, controlled or uncontrolled, depending on the purpose and situation
- Uncontrolled, or naturalistic, observation is the most common and least expensive form of observation
Types of Observations
- Participant observation: the observer is a participant in the situation being observed
- Situational testing: observation in a realistic but prearranged situation under frustrating circumstances
- Self-observation: the individual makes a detailed record of their own behavior
Improving Objectivity and Efficiency
- Methodological procedures can improve objectivity and efficiency, such as:
- Subject, time, and incident sampling
- Electronic recording and analysis
- Careful training of observers
Attitude Measurement
- Attitude measurement is a significant application in social psychology research
- Examples of problems investigated through attitude measurement include:
- Group differences in attitudes
- Role of attitudes in intergroup relations
- Background factors associated with attitude development
- Interrelation of attitudes
- Experimental alteration of attitudes through interpolated experiences
Attitude Scales
- Few attitude scales have been published, but many are fully described in research literature
- Examples of attitude scales include:
- Thurstone-type scales
- Likert-type scales
- Scales for measuring alienation, anomie, self-esteem, and locus of control
- Reliabilities of standardized instruments are lower than those of standardized tests of cognitive abilities, but often reach into the .80s and .90s.
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Description
Learn about the different methods of observing behavior for personality assessment, including formal and informal, controlled and uncontrolled observations.
