Evaluation of Observational Techniques

• What is the purpose of ethical considerations in observational research?

  To ensure fair and responsible conduct
• Why is informed consent important in observational research?

  People should know they're being observed
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of naturalistic observation?

  Strengths:

  • High ecological validity

  Weaknesses:

  • Time-consuming
  • Lack of control over variables
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of participant observation?

  Strengths:

  • Provides insightful, first-hand data

  Weaknesses:

  • Can raise observer bias
• What does confidentiality ensure in observational research?

  Identities remain anonymous
• What are the key ethical considerations in observational research?

  • Informed consent
  • Privacy protection
  • Confidentiality of identities
  • Minimizing observer bias
  • Choosing appropriate observation techniques
• What does reliability in observational studies mean?

  Observations are consistent over time and observers
• How does the choice of observational technique depend on research goals?

  It depends on control level versus ecological validity
• What is the role of blind observers in research?

  They do not know the research hypothesis
• How does controlled observation affect ecological validity?

  It may sacrifice ecological validity
• What is the outcome of minimizing observer bias?

  More accurate and reliable findings
• What is a limitation of observing children playing in a lab?

  It may not represent their behavior in a park
• What must be protected to maintain ethical standards in observational research?

  Privacy of the individuals observed
• How does the choice of observation technique affect ethical considerations?

  Naturalistic lacks consent; controlled offers privacy
• What are the methods to minimize observer bias?

  • Use standardized observation protocols
  • Employ blind observers
  • Record objective behavioral data
  • Have multiple observers for cross-checking
• What is observer bias in observational research?

  Personal beliefs influence interpretations
• What does ecological validity refer to?

  How much an observation reflects real-life situations
• What type of data should researchers record to avoid bias?

  Objective behavioral data
• What are the three types of observational techniques?

  Naturalistic, controlled, and participant
• How can structured protocols enhance reliability?

  They provide clear definitions for observations
• Why is it important to use standardized observation protocols?

  To ensure consistency in data collection
• Why does naturalistic observation have high ecological validity?

  It shows behaviors in natural contexts
• What do observational studies measure?

  Pre-existing variables without intervention
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of controlled observation?

  Strengths:

  • Allows manipulation of factors
  • Reduces noise

  Weaknesses:

  • May decrease ecological validity
• What do experimental studies manipulate?

  The independent variable
• What factors should be balanced when choosing an observational method?

  • Control of the observation
  • Ecological relevance of the observation
• How can clear written procedures aid in replicability?

  They provide a guide for others to follow
• How does observer bias affect research conclusions?

  It distorts data and leads to inaccuracies
• What is replicability in observational studies?

  It ensures the study can be repeated by others
• How can observer bias be minimized in research?

  By using clear observation protocols
• What type of variables do observational studies use?

  Existing variables
• What is the purpose of experimental studies?

  To establish cause-and-effect
• What type of causality can observational studies show?

  Correlation only
• Why is having multiple observers beneficial in observational studies?

  It allows for comparison and cross-checking
• What is meant by high ecological validity in observational techniques?

  It refers to studying behavior in natural settings
• What are common applications of observational techniques in psychology?

  • Developmental psychology: Child interactions
  • Clinical psychology: Patient behaviors in therapy
  • Social psychology: Group dynamics in social settings
  • Consumer behavior: Shopper observations in stores
• How does having multiple observers help in research?

  It allows for cross-checking interpretations
• How are observational techniques used in consumer behavior studies?

  By observing shoppers to understand purchase decisions
• What are observational techniques used for in psychology?

  To study behavior naturally
• What role do objective measures play in achieving replicability?

  They ensure consistent data collection across studies