Research Methods 5 Flashcards
Observation Methods
The observation method is described as a method to observe and describe the behavior of a subject .
As the name suggests , it is a way of collecting relevant information and data by observing .
It is also referred to as a participatory study because the researcher has to establish a link with the respondent and for this has to immerse himself in the same settings as theirs . Only then can he use the observation method to record and take notes .
Observation method is used in cases where you want to avoid an error that can be a result of a bias during evaluation and interpretation processes .
It is a way to obtain objective data by watching a participant and recording it for analysis at a later stage
2 methods for Data collection
Structured Observation method - This is a systematic observation method where data is collected as per a pre-defined schedule. The specific variable is used in this method for data collection .
Unstructured Observation Method -The unstructured observation method is conducted in a free and open manner without using any pre-determined objectives , schedules or variables .
Sampling Methods for Observational Data
With controlled / structured observation studies an important decision the researcher has to make is how to classify and record the data. Usually this will involve a method of sampling .
Three main sampling methods
Event Sampling - In the event sampling observation method the researcher decides beforehand what events or behavior he will record and which ones he is going to ignore .
Time Sampling - In the time sampling observation methods , the researcher chooses the time when he will observe . He makes a record of the occurrence only in the specified and pre - determined period .
Tally Counts Sampling - Tally counts sampling is when a researcher records a tally each time an event occurs . They may have a list , graph or chart with information that they can place a tally next to . This allows them to easily count the number of times their client performed a specific behavior.
Controlled Observation
The Controlled Observation - The controlled observation is carried out in a closed space . It is the researcher who has the authority to decide the place and the time where and when the observation will take place . He also decides who the participants will be and in what circumstances will he use the standardized process .
Naturalistic Observation
Naturalistic Observation - Social scientists and psychologists generally use the naturalistic observation method . The process involves observing and studying the spontaneous behavior of the participants in open or natural surroundings . The role of the researcher is to find and record whatever he can see and observe in natural habitat .
Overt and Covert
Overt - When the researcher asks permission from a group to mingle the observation method is known as overt .
He does so by revealing his true purpose and real identity to the group with who he wants to mingle .
Covert - When the researcher does not show either his true identity or real meaning to the group he wants to join then the observation is known as covert .
He keeps both concealed and takes on a false role and identity to enter and mingle in the group . He generally acts as if he is a genuine member of that group
Non-Participant Observation
A research technique whereby the researcher watches the subjects of his or her study , with their knowledge , but without taking an active part in the situation under scrutiny .
This approach is sometimes criticized on the grounds that the very fact of their being observed may lead people to behave differently , thus invalidating the data obtained .
This could be impacted by Hawthorne effect . To overcome this , researcher normally observe a number of similar situations , over a period of time .
Although video-recorders can now be used in non-participant observation , this too may alter the behavior of the research subjects .
Twin Studies and Adoption Studies
Twin studies and adoption studies are ways to investigate the effects of nature and nurture on behavior .
Nature refers to biological causes for behavior ; this
means the influence of genes that have been
inherited from biological parents .
Nurture refers to the environmental causes of
behavior ; this means the importance of upbringing ,
regardless of who the parents are .
In general , twin studies investigate the role of nature (genes) and adoption studies investigate the role of nurture (upbringing)
Adoption studies and twin studies are always natural experiments .
This is because the IV being investigated (whether you are biologically related to you family or what type of twin you are) is a naturally-occurring variable .
You cant manipulate variables like these ; it would be morally wrong to force children to be adopted to see what happens to them and it’s scientifically impossible to cause twins to be born (though certain fertility treatment can increase the likelihood).
Animal Studies
Animal Studies are more properly known as “research involving non-human participants” and they play an important role in Psychology : from Pavlov’s dogs and Skinner’s rats to more recent studies involving the language abilities of apes , animals feature heavily in all the main approaches , but especially the Learning Approach.
Animal Experiments involve manipulating some independent variable , either in the animals environment (like Pavlov and Skinner) or in the animal itself (by genetically altering it).
Art of the justification for why nonhuman animals are studied in psychology has to with the fact of evolution .
Humans share common ancestry with the species most commonly studies in psychology : mice, rats , monkeys .
To be sure , each has its own specializations ; but common ancestry results in structural (brain) and functional (memory) processes that are remarkably similar between humans and nonhumans .
In addition , we can better understand fundamental processes because of the precise control enabled by animal research (living environments , experimental conditions, etc)
We can also ask and answer certain questions that would be difficult or impossible to do with humans .
Advantages and Disadvantages of Animal Studies
Advantages -The main advantage with animal experiments is that things can be done to animals that it would be impractical or unethical to do to humans.
For example , animals can be bred to see what
effects show up in their descendants ; they can also
be kept in a controlled environment and observed for
long periods of time , perhaps even for their whole
lives .
Disadvantages - The Principle disadvantage with animals experiments is the problem of generalizability
Even if we accept evolutionary psychology ,humans
have evolved to be very different from most other
animals, perhaps all other animals . Drawing
conclusions about human behaviors from observing
animals might be invalid ; at worst , it is reductionist
and downright misleading .
