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Research
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Observational Research
Program: M. Phil Psychology
Course: Qualitative & Quantitative
Research
Teacher: Ms. Afsheen Yahya Khan
Presentation by:
Ali Mujahid Chaudary & Sarfaraz
Ahmad Khan
Observational Research
A method of data collection in
which the situation or
individual of interest is
watched and the relevant
facts, actions and behaviors
are recorded.
Observational Research
The researcher observes the behavior without influencing it. Goals:
1. to describe behavior as it naturally occurs
2. to assess relationships among variables
present
How Observations are conducted?
Observations can be conducted with the help of fi ve senses
In recent research, Observations are conducted with the help of scientifi c equipment.
Psychologists who practiced Observation
1. Sigmund Freud2. Jean Piaget3. Ion Pavlov4. Lev Vygotsky5. John Watson6. Albert Bandura7. B.F Skinner
Seven approaches to observation
1. Naturalistic observation (non-participant)2. Participant-observation 3. Structured observation4. Unstructured observation 5. Covert observation6. Overt observation 7. Field experiments/Controlled
Observations
Naturalistic Observation
Observing a phenomena that cannot be created in lab, for practical or ethical reasons Method is expensive Effects can only be observed when such events occur naturally
Naturalistic Observation
Researcher is passive recorderFor example:
A psychologist observes the confrontation between two rival neighborhood gangs from the window of an abandoned building.
Naturalistic Observation
Example: effect of early childhood isolation on later psychological development.
We can’t isolate children to study them But we can use naturalistic observation when we discover such cases. For example Genie
Naturalistic Observation
Candland (1993) – descriptions of feral children (raised outside human cultures)
Curtiss (1977) case studies of children subjected to unusual isolation by parents (e.g., Genie)
Spitz (1965) – observation of institutionalized children, Showed effects of deprivation of stimulation during infancy and early childhood
Participant Observation
Observer joins a group for the purpose of studying group members
Researcher is insider and intervene in situations
Researcher can be biasedTwo questions: 1. How is it different from ethnography?2. Potential cost to objectivity= Stockholm
syndrome
Structured Observation
Usually “Check Lists” focus on predetermined categories study only the factors of interest easy to analyze data saves time Replication depends upon following exactly
the same procedures
Structured ObservationFor example Piaget’s studiesWatson experiemnts
Unstructured Observation
Categories are not predetermined Focus on new emergent issues Researcher do not predict anything in advance Observer can be biased Difficult to analyze Time and sources consuming
Covert Observation
Also called disguised observation Researcher do not identifyhimself and mixes in situation Researcher easley understands the participants Purpose is to achieve access to behaviors
Overt Observation
Also called undisguised observation Researcher identifies himself and explains the purpose of observation Participants knew that they are being observed and can change their behavior
Field Experiments
Researcher manipulates one or more variables in a natural setting to determine effect on behavior
One end of the intervention – non-intervention continuum
Field Experiments
For example Crusco & Wetzel (1984)
Eff ect of touching on restaurant customers waitresses worked as allies, tip amount was dependent variable Compared No Touch condition with Shoulder Touch
conditions Men tipped more than women Both men and women tipped more after being
touched at some point during their meal.
Advantages of Observation
Phenomena can be studied in real context Data collected is very accurate in nature and also
very reliable. Best to study human nature
Disadvantages of Observation
Problems of the past cannot be studied Participant feel uncomfortable being watched Time consuming method and hence expensive Requires specific skills Researcher has to wait until the appropriate event
occurs
Questions??? Thank youQuestions are
welcome