Observational Research

In the science of Psychology, observations and inferences are equally important. Observation is the act of perceiving, of noticing, of watching something closely. On the other hand, inference is looking at the evidence in front of you and making a deduction of your own based on what you see. When somebody observes something or someone they just state the facts as they appear before their eyes, whereas in inference they reach a conclusion by assuming or deducting things as well. For example, an observation would be “

Naturalistic observational research is important because it allows researchers to observe people in a natural habitat without any variable manipulation. Most importantly in naturalistic observation, the researcher does not interfere with the situation in any way. Naturalistic observation can be structured or unstructured; for this study, unstructured naturalistic observation was mostly used. There were pre-determined characteristics that the researchers wrote down on a spreadsheet, however, specific behaviors were recorded as they happened (i.e., the type of reaction that resulted from each person who picked up the card). Naturalistic observation is important in psychological research because it gives insight into the natural behaviors of people. When a person is unaware they are being observed it reduces change in behavior, which can occur when if they are aware that they are being observed.

Naturalistic observation is observing behavior in an open, relaxed environment. This method allows a researcher to watch someone’s uninhibited reactions compared to surveys or case surveys where you can answer truthfully or untruthfully. The strengths of naturalistic observations are better generalizing, subjects are comfortable which adds to higher degree of realism

Throughout this course, I have studied and participated in various methods of research. There were some methods I loved, some that I thought were useful, but they had their limitations, and a few that I did not particularly enjoy. Let’s start one of the methods that I enjoyed the most, direct observation. I used direct observation for the eating observation assignment. I first thought that I would be very uncomfortable using this method, but once I was practicing it I did not feel uncomfortable. I think this method is very useful since people act like themselves when they believe no one is watching. This allows researches to collect accurate data without the worry that the data could be skewed. Since my participant did not know that he was being observed, he felt comfortable is his surroundings to act like himself. I do like this research method and I would use it again, however there is a down side to the method. Since you cannot talk to you’re participants you then have to make your own conclusions, which may not always be accurate. This problem also comes up with systematic observation. Systematic observation was a method that I did not particularly enjoy. I found that there were too many flaws with the method, like the one previously stated. Another flaw with systematic observation is that the researcher is taking their own preconceived notions into their research. With systematic observation, one is looking for something that they believe people to do. The problem with

This essay examines the advantages and disadvantages of using a method primarily for gathering research on human subjects that can be examined for later use. It will give a basic outline of the methods of investigation, their uses and their suitability. I will also look at the scientific method as a whole and examine the criticisms of this method using the writings of Hume and Popper.

Many of the research methods for which the research we have reviewed is classified as either exploratory or constructive. Rape culture, victim blaming, and rape myths encompass more gray areas (uncertainties) than mere black (wrong) and white (right) understandings. As few of the studies specifically sought to gain insight in what is considered consent, therefore they exploratory research wanting to purely define and identify the miscommunication and mixed opinions of interpretations of consent, as they consider this to be a root to the problem of rape (16p.907)(8p.470)(19p.518). A couple other studies we found went a different route and chose to test theories they had relating to rape and then went on to propose solutions

My participant observation research project is on sex offenders. A few topics I would be interested in is different type of offenders, such as pedophilic and non-pedophilic. I know sex offending is horrible all together but I really hate when I hear about children and teens being hurt. My questions would be what causes their urge to offend children? How do they know the victim? How to help the offender?

present. Most come for the free pizza. It sounds funny, but it is true. I pay attention

4. Psychologists observe and describe behavior through case studies, surveys, and naturalistic observations. Case studies show us what can happen by observing behaviors. Most of the time they offer reliable ideas of behaviors that have not been studied before. Surveys act as a good representation of people’s attitudes or reported behaviors of a whole population. However, when producing a survey one must be careful to use careful wording and to pick a random sample. Adjusting survey questions with loaded words may shift the response and not offer a reliable representation. It is important to survey with a random sample of people to refrain from unbiased responses. Naturalistic observations describe behaviors in an uncontrolled setting. This method does not tell the cause and effect.

The physical presence of the researcher and his use of direct observation have tremendous positive effects on the quality of data generated and further enhances it. This is so because it has the capacity to do the following.

One known research method is the Scientific Method which is a uniform way of creating observations, assembly data, establishing concepts, testing predictions, and understanding outcomes. These observations are made in order to observe and define behaviors. The first step to take in using a scientific method is to develop an issue or question. Next step is to perform a research and observation on the issue or question that was developed. Then a hypothesis needs to be formulated after these steps have been made.

Structured observation is oftentimes employed to deal with the problem associated with using naturalistic observation

I think we use our eyes and our ears the most when gathering empirical evidence. We see the effect or outcome when we or others are in a particular situation. We also may hear someone’s reaction to an event or action.

Here, unlike naturalistic observation, the researcher intervenes in the environment. Basically, this refers to inserting yourself as a member of a group in order to observe behavior you wouldn't otherwise have access to. Although it seems like naturalistic observation and participant observation are simply categories, you should understand that there is a really a continuum of intrusion into the environment. It depends on the extent to which the researcher is involved in the research study. For example, if someone sets up an event (e.g., putting trash in a path to see who picks it up), this is not naturalistic observation (see criteria above). This is also not participant observation research because the researcher is not a part of the group being observed. Think of this as a continuum with naturalistic observation on one end and participant observation on the other.

As mentioned, the research method used for this study was participant observation. This was further divided into three different segments. Each of these segments featured its own distinct observation site and involved one hour of observation per site.