CHAPTER 2 Flashcards
Naturalistic Observation
- Observing people in their natural habitats without interference
- Only works with behaviours that occur naturally, not ones that require setup/certain conditions
- Qualitative and quantitative data
- Maximally unobstructed study of behaviour to prevent the Hawthorne effects
Benefit of naturalistic observation
Helps come up with new hypotheses based on observed behaviours
Hawthorne Effect
A sudden change in behaviour when people realize they are being watched. This effect was discovered in the 1950s from data gathered in the 20s-30s in the Hawthorne works electric company.
Disadvantages of naturalistic observation
- Nature of an uncontrolled environment means potential factors that affect behaviour can come into play
- Connection/result: it can’t be conclusively determined that behaviours exhibited are organic or caused by extenuating circumstances
- Experiments often can’t be repeated because not every single factor can align with the initial factor
- Connection/result: they’re less legit due to lack of repeated evidence
- A lot of room for researcher bias
- Connection/result: interpreting data and extrapolating patterns with no confirmation on what the subjects were thinking at the time of the behaviour, meaning 2 people with 2 different backgrounds, experiences, personalities, etc., will likely provide different analyses
Case Studies
Where unique individuals are studied in attempts to form links between their specific symptoms/ characteristics and sociopsychological or biological processes. TLDR: When psychologists try to identify causes of symptoms and behaviours displayed by special case patients.
Who was HM?
Henry Molaison had seizures starting when he was young, but they progressively got worse to the point where he could no longer live an average life.
What was the “treatment” to HM’s case?
In an attempt to remedy this, a neurosurgeon removed his ventral medial temporal lobes (MAIN FOCUS: HIPPOCAMPUS).
What were the consequences of HM’s treatment?
The seizures stopped but Henry could no longer form new memories, he only had short-term memories and memories proceeding with the surgery. This led to his being highly studied and to the formulation of our theories and understanding of memory as we know it.
Downsides to case studies?
They can’t be generalized since the circumstances of case studies are on an individual basis. An anecdote (one person’s experience) is often uniquely theirs and can’t be translated to the circumstances of others. There can also be other unidentified reasons for the subject’s behaviours, meaning case studies are not always conclusive,
What is the similarity between naturalistic observation, participant observation and case studies?
They each focus on the study of small groups or individuals to provide descriptive data of behaviour.
Surveys
Easy way to collect quantitative or qualitative data based on people’s opinions, attitudes or experiences at a given time. They tend to target small subsets of a population that are usually representative of the total population as it’d be nearly impossible to survey all.
Define sampling error/bias
Sampling error is when a sample chosen isn’t representative of the entire population, particularly in ways that could cause the data to be swayed drastically from what the actual population would answer. Means data cannot be generalized and the survey is ineffective.
Consideration for conducting surveys
- Bias can’t be entirely eliminated, especially with randomized surveys where people can choose to opt-in
- Since the majority won’t, you are surveying the minority and likely have a sample that deviates from representing the total population
- The phrasing of questions must be carefully considered as specific wording may influence surveyees to choose a specific option
- Response bias: people are more likely to respond in ways they feel they are expected to answer and less likely to respond with things they feel would be judged
- People are more likely to paint themselves in a positive light when answering surveys
- Responses may not always be thought out and sometimes people fill out fake information
Famous example of a survey
Kinsey’s survey on sexual behaviour in men vs. women. Studied sexual preferences, orientation and attitudes. They were a catalyst in sparking the sexual revolution of the 60s.
What kind of bias can be seen in Kinsey’s survey on sexual behaviour?
The population surveyed might not have been representative of the entire population. Sex and sexuality were taboo topics and discussion was looked down upon, so people who volunteered and were willing to discuss the topic were the minority
