L7 - Observational Methods Flashcards
1
Q
What is the goal of observational methods?
A
- Describe behaviour in a verifiable way
- Describe variables present and their relations
- Test hypotheses (apriori)
2
Q
What is Introspection?
A
Observing yourself objectively and consciously
3
Q
How to combat subjectivity in Introspection?
A
Training to eliminate bias, followed a set of procedures
4
Q
Why is introspection subjective?
A
- No one can verify introspections
- Violates objectivity
- Lead to methods for measuring behaviour through verification through multiple observers
5
Q
What happens in a naturalistic observation?
A
- Researchers study the behaviours of humans and the other species in their normal environment.
- Used as a first step into research
- Shows a holistic view
6
Q
How have methods changed in naturalistic observations?
A
- Recording for verification
- Observers work in pairs, recording separately.
7
Q
What do structured observations do?
A
- Allow researchers to evaluate responses to specific situations
8
Q
What features are shared by the naturalistic and structured observations?
A
- Behaviour does not record a record, the ppt does not press a key
- Observers are needed
- Interpretation needed
9
Q
What is a key experiment for observation?
A
- Fake room made
- Infant faces parents sat in the fake room
- Infant moves towards parents whilst researchers moved the walls
- Infants sway
- Direction, time period and posture were noted
10
Q
What is a key experiment for correlation?
A
- Researcher observed conversations between parent and child in a science museum
- Coded conversation by explanations, directions and evidence
- Asked if parents treat boys & girls differently with facts
- Explanations were directed at boys than girls
11
Q
What methodological challenges are there?
A
- Ethics: ask
- Lack of control: noisy etc.
- Recording behaviour
- Subject Bias: DCs etc.
- Observer Bias
- Reliability
