This essay will evaluate the use of observation as a method of study within psychology. Initially, the essay will discuss the two traditional methods of investigation which are experimentation and observation, before undertaking a deeper examination of the observational method itself. It will then consider where the use of the observational method has proven successful, with supporting evidence of research in which it played a key role. In closing, the limitations of the observational method in psychological research will be considered together with why other techniques have to be contemplated when conducting research.
Two traditional methods used in psychological research are the experimental method and the observational method. In the
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An example of participant observation is research by Festinger (1956), into a religious cult and their reaction when a doomsday prophecy they believed in failed to come true.
Examining both of these methods, experimental psychology has received criticism especially in its use of the laboratory setting. The laboratory experimental setting is considered by some as being too controlled, meaning behaviour studied may be artificial and therefore, not generalisable beyond the laboratory setting. Further criticisms include confounding variables such as 'demand characteristics ', may impact upon results. Demand characteristics occur when participants develop ideas of the purpose of the experiment and alter behaviour accordingly. Furthermore, the experimental method is hampered by its inability to study naturally occurring behaviour which occurs would be considered 'unethical ' to study if artificially created. For example, Oates (2012), cites concerns over the effects of participation in research of young children, who may be detrimentally affected by being exposed to things which they would not encounter in their day to day living. One possible way to avoid some of these criticisms and problems is using observational methods.
Observation is one of the most common
Additionally, laboratory experiments in social research can cause the Hawthorne effect which can reduce the validity of the research and also make them seem undesirable. The Hawthorne effect is when the presence of a researcher changes the behaviour of the group that is being studied. The participants are not showing their true behaviour and one reason why they may be altering their behaviour when in the presence of a researcher is because they think that they have guessed what the researcher is studying and therefore wants to help them with their research by acting in the way that they think the researcher wants to see. Their assumptions though are not always correct.
3- How would you make it an experimental (rather than correlational) study (it might help to be specific here as well and define the two types of studies in your
Case studies, surveys, and naturalistic observations are a few research methods used by psychologists to facilitate the understanding of behavior. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages that are used in particular research scenarios. Techniques like observation or interactions between the researcher and the subject(s) such as extensive interviews to restrained experiments are what some research methods heavily rely on to be validated.
According to the course syllabus we were introduced to the techniques of psychological research. This course was able to provide an understanding of how research is done, and what methods we can use to do so. By having a clear understanding of research and techniques used, it allows us to communicate effectively in regards to ideas behind the research process. In this paper, I will use myself as the case study to examine exactly what I learned about research.
Methods used in psychological research are used to obtain quantitative or qualitative data. Quantitative data is more often than not derived from methods such as experiments and statistics analysing data using surveys, questionnaires and interviews. Qualitative data tends not to be aimed at finding exact measurements in its findings, but is more concerned with evidence collection and analysis through practices such as observation and ethnography (using observations through involvement in activities over a period of time) (Brownlow 2011).
Box 3.2: Why do it this way? is especially relevant, as it considers an important advantage of the experimental method. Chapter 6: No experiments are discussed in this chapter, however, the essay question requires you to discuss the value of experiments. Consider if there are certain aspects of human behaviour and/or performance that cannot be meaningfully investigated using experiments. What are the alternative methods of studying behaviour? Sections 2 and 3 of Chapter 6 are relevant in this respect.
In the article, “Researching Dealers and Smugglers,” Patricia Adler discusses her and her husband’s experience using participant observation to collect data from drug dealers and the problems this qualitative method brought. A qualitative method focuses on collecting rich, non-statistical data. This method involves face-to-face interviews and actual participation with the group being researched. The Adlers use this method because it is almost impossible to gather accurate information on people who smuggle drugs. This is true because they are such private and deceitful people. The only way to get the real facts is if the smugglers trust the person. Unfortunately, participant observation brought problems such as the dealers and smugglers
This paper has aimed to evaluate the course of events that when working in rotation can facilitate effective teaching and learning. It has highlighted the planning, teaching, evaluating and assessment cycle, which is ever revolving helping practitioners to plan, evaluate and assess their pedagogic practice. It has underlined the importance of planning and assessing in teaching practice. It has considered concrete strategies to use during this cycle and studied these events when critically analysing current assessment theory. Through theory and practical evidence it has attempted to show that levelling and grading has to be fair and accurate to enable each and every pupil to receive the education that they deserve. Throughout this paper it has
In order for Stone and Creeley to write about their ideas, they use an example of personal observation. Stone and Creeley use personal observation with the intention of the readers taking their opinion and putting it to worthy use. The authors want the
Soldiers are trained to be altruist even when they don’t agree with it they are taught a sense of self service and duty and no matter how they feel about someone or what the person looks like they are going to help. Males and females soldiers the same.
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.
But really, what is the point of experimenting and making observations if you don’t further attempt to determine WHY the observed behaviour occurs? For example: take a child that was physically abused every day of his life and then observe that he grows into an adult who physically abuses his children. Wow how fascinating, not. I believe that this only becomes a question for/of psychology when the observer attempts to determine WHY these patterns of
In this booklet you will find an overview of all the different approaches to psychology. This will consist of the key assumptions, examples of the relevant psychologists and examples of their work, as well as an exploration into the advantages and disadvantages that some of these approaches possess.
While most psychodynamic theories did not rely on experimental research the methods and theories of psychodynamic thinking contributed to experimental psychology.
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.