Observational Research

Question 1

What are the types of observational research

Answer 1

• case studies
• naturalistic observation
• participant observation
• archival research

Question 2

What are the strengths and limitations of case studies ?

Answer 2

Strenghts:
-Source of ideas and hypotheses
-Source of developing therapy techniques
-Permit the study of rare phenomena
-Can provide counterfactual for notions considered universally applicable
-Have persuasive and motivational value

Limitations:
-Heavy reliance on anecdotal information
-Lack of generalisability
-Observer bias
-Failure to control extraneous variables

Question 3

What is meant by naturalistic observations ?

Answer 3

Observing people doing their day to day tasks, not in experimental setting

Question 4

What is participant observation

Answer 4

The researcher joins the group being observed

Question 5

What is meant by observer bias ?

Answer 5

Allowing preconcieved ideas to colour one’s interpretation of one’s observations

Question 6

What is subject reactivity ? How donwe deal with this ?

Answer 6

People act differently when they know they are being watched

You can declare yourself as observer, and the longer you are with the group the lower the impact of subject reactivity

Question 7

What is Archival research ?

Answer 7

The use of existing recordsor data available in storage in scientific research. This includes public and private information

Question 8

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Archival research ?

Answer 8

Advantages:
-high in external validity
-no subject reactivity
-unlimited information available
-can converge with lab research

Disadvantages:
-Because it already exists, some piece may be missing or may not be representative
-Experimenter bias: selecting only those records that support one’s hypothesis