WS7: Observational Techniques Prac

Question 0

Do we multitask effortlessly?

Answer 0

No: psychological refractory period

• the period of time during which the response to a second stimulus is significantly slowed because a first stimulus is still being processed
• cognitive resources available for the two or more tasks has to be shared - and they are all disadvantaged by this

Question 1

Issues to consider when conducting an observational study

Answer 1

• How ‘ecologically valid’ are observations?
• How easy will it be to explain observations?
• what influence does the observer have on the situation?