CHAPTER 3 Flashcards
confirmation bias
which makes researchers more likely to ignore data that force them to contradict their preexisting notions.
survey
ask lots of people questions, either in person, over the phone/web, or using a questionnaire
laboratory observation
watch organisms in a controlled setting
naturalistic observation
watch organisms in their normal environment
case study
gather lots of information about one individual
DISadvantages of naturalistic observation
- behavior of the participants can be contrived, due to the observer effect
- observer bias
DISadvantages of laboratory observation?
observer bias
DISadvantages of case studies
- the results are unique to one individual, and so findings in one case study cannot always be generalized to others
- detailed observation is vulnerable to observer bias
DISadvantages of surveys
- it can be challenging to get a representative sample
- people often misremember or misrepresent themselves
- courtesy bias
observer bias
occurs when a person recognizes only those actions that support the preconceived expectation, and ignores contradictory actions
observer effect
process wherein animals or people who know they are being watched will not behave normally
participant observation
technique where in a researcher participates in the group she is observing
representative sample
a randomly selected group large enough to produce reliable data
courtesy bias
occurs in surveys when participants respond inaccurately to avoid being offensive
what do researchers use to avoid observer bias
blind observers
