Underage Binge Drinking

Iris PeneYear 12

Psychology

1. Participant Observation2. Non – participant Observation3. Naturalistic4. Overt observation5. Covert Observation

Different types of Observation:

The researcher enters the field and acts as the instrument of data collection

Create a close relationship with the participants though involvement with participants in the field

“Natural behaviour in it’s natural habitat”

Participant Observations

Most accurate way to study socially sensitive issues

The researcher is able to have a more holistic approach on the situation

The researcher learns to understand the situation from the perception of a participant(avoids bias)

Strengths

Time consuming Highly Invasive Researcher may lose

objectivity Other participants

neglecting the researcher

Limitations

The researcher is not participant in the field with other participants

Set in a naturalistic setting where the researcher records natural behaviour

The participants are aware of being studied but are not aware of the aspect in which the researcher is studying

Non- participant Observations

Easier to collect data. The researcher is solely collecting data instead of interacting

Observes natural behaviour Useful for observations on small groups Observational data can be cross checked

with other observers for more credibility

Strengths

Presence of the researcher may affect behaviour

Deception may be used (to avoid alter in behaviour)

Considered artificially (natural behaviour will not occur in laboratory observations)

Analysis can be expensive

Limitations

Researchers observe how people or animals behave

Mostly take place in a natural setting but can take place in a laboratory setting

Researcher spends tie becoming familiar with participants natural environment

Naturalistic Observation

Higher ecological validity (natural behaviour in natural habitat)

Controlled laboratory and data from other qualitative methods can be included

Data can be cross checked with others

Strengths

Observation of field, data and participants are very time consuming and expensive

Limitations

Overt – Participants are aware of being observed

Covert – Participants unaware of being observed

Researcher will decided whether to be either covert or overt depending on the situation of the research.

Overt and Covert Observation

Overt Participants are informed of the topic and

can give more information Interviewed data can be used togetherCovert Gives a possibility to study vital groups

(terrorists, gangs) Limited or no change in behaviour

Strengths

Overt Researcher becomes attached Researchers relationship with participants

causes biasCovert Participants did not give consent Dangerous if participants find out about the

study

Limitations

PARTICIPANT AND COVERT

OBSERVATION•Involves me entering a “Binge drinking party” (Participants environment)•Acting as the instrument of collecting data•Creating close relationship amongst the underage teenagers at the party for study•Participants are unaware of being observed

“The average age that underage drinkers ages 12 to 20 begin to drink is 16.1 years old”

Target population for this investigation are on 16 year old males and females

Target Population

http://www.camy.org/factsheets/sheets/prevalence_of_underage_drinking.html

Underage teenage males will consume more alcohol than underage teenage girls

Hypothesis

Strengths Able to record participants in natural

environment Limited or no change in behaviour of

participantsLimitations No consent given Researcher might lose objective of the

study

Strengths and Weaknesses of method

Debrief Results confidential Ambulance on standby This research is important and results could possibly help find a resolution for underage binge drinking

How will this investigation follow ethical guidelines?

Hopkins, J. ( 2010). Prevalence of Underage Drinking. Available: http://www.camy.org/factsheets/sheets/prevalence_of_underage_drinking.html. Last accessed 24th Feb 2014.

Hannibal, J (2012). Psychology . Great Britian: Bell and Bain Ltd. p154-157.

References