Chapter 4: Approaches to Psychological Measurement

Question 1

Observational Methods

Answer 1

Research involving the direct observation of behaviour.

Question 2

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 2

Observation of ongoing behaviour as it occurs naturally with no intrusion or intervention by the researcher. Researchers observe people or animals in their natural environment and record their behaviour.

Question 3

Participant Observation

Answer 3

One type of naturalistic observation; researcher engages in the same activities as the people he or she is observing.

Question 4

Contrived Observation

Answer 4

Behaviour is observed in settings that are arranged specifically for observing and recording behaviour.

Question 5

Reactivity

Answer 5

Participants act differently because they know they are being watched.

Question 6

Ways to Minimize Reactivity

Answer 6

1. Partial Concealment: Participants know that they are being observed but not the specific aspects of behaviour being observed.
2. Knowledgeable Informants: People who know the participants well observe and rate their behaviour.
3. Unobtrusive Measures: Indirect measures that can be taken without participants knowing they are being studied.

Question 7

Five Types of Psychophysiological and Neuroscientific Measures

Answer 7

1. Measures of neural electrical activity (e.g. EEG)
2. Neuroimaging (e.g. fMRI)
3. Measures of autonomic nervous system activity (e.g. heart rate, respiration)
4. Blood and saliva assays (e.g. cortisol)
5. Precise measurement of overt reactions (e.g. EMG)