11.3.2 Observations

• What does observation involve in psychological research?

  Watching and recording behavior
• Observational data is always more accurate than self-reported data.
• Where might a researcher study social interactions using observation?

  In a playground
• Order the types of observation methods by increasing level of control:

  1️⃣ Naturalistic

  2️⃣ Covert

  3️⃣ Participant

  4️⃣ Non-participant

  5️⃣ Controlled
• Match the type of observation with its characteristics:

  Naturalistic ↔️ High ecological validity

  Controlled ↔️ High control over variables

  Overt ↔️ Participants are aware

  Covert ↔️ Participants are unaware
• Naturalistic observations have high ecological validity
• Controlled observations have low ecological validity.
• What ethical concern is associated with covert observations?

  Deception
• Participant observations can produce rich, detailed data
• What is a disadvantage of non-participant observations?

  Limited insight into thoughts
• What is the primary goal of observation in psychological research?

  Systematically watching and recording behavior
• Observation in psychological research involves systematically watching and recording participants' behavior
• Observation methods provide more accurate data than self-reported surveys.
• Match the type of observation with its characteristic:

  Naturalistic ↔️ Observing animal behavior in the wild

  Controlled ↔️ Studying reaction times in a lab

  Overt ↔️ Interviewing participants about their experiences

  Covert ↔️ Secretly recording customer choices

  Participant ↔️ Joining a group to study interactions

  Non-participant ↔️ Watching traffic patterns from a distance
• What is a key advantage of naturalistic observation?

  High ecological validity
• Controlled observation has high control over variables but low ecological validity
• Covert observation raises ethical concerns regarding deception.
• What type of data is collected in participant observation?

  Rich, detailed data
• Non-participant observation offers less researcher bias but limited insight into participants' thoughts
• What are three key ethical principles in observation research?

  Informed consent, privacy, harm
• Privacy in observation research involves protecting participants' personal information and behaviors
• Match the real-world scenario with the appropriate observation method:

  1️⃣ Schools - Naturalistic or Controlled

  2️⃣ Hospitals - Covert or Overt

  3️⃣ Retail stores - Covert

  4️⃣ Public parks - Naturalistic
• What does informed consent ensure in observation research?

  Participants understand the study
• Privacy in observation research means protecting participants' personal information from unnecessary exposure.
• Minimizing psychological or physical distress is an ethical principle called potential harm
• What must researchers balance in observation research?

  Valid data and ethics
• Match the scenario with the appropriate observation method:

  Schools ↔️ Naturalistic or Controlled

  Workplaces ↔️ Overt or Covert

  Hospitals ↔️ Controlled
• What is an advantage of using naturalistic observation in schools?

  Captures real classroom behavior
• Overt observation in workplaces ensures ethical transparency.
• Controlled observation in hospitals prioritizes patient safety
• What is the main goal of observation research in psychology?

  Gather data on real behavior
• Observation involves systematically watching and recording behavior in a natural or controlled environment.
• What is the control level in naturalistic observation?

  Low
• Studying reaction times in a lab is an example of controlled observation.
• Naturalistic observation has high ecological validity because it captures real-world behavior.
• What ethical concern is associated with covert observation?

  Deception
• Researchers must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
• What are the three key ethical principles in observation research?

  Informed consent, privacy, harm
• Researchers must balance the need to gather valid data with ethical responsibilities to participants.
• Match the scenario with the appropriate observation method:

  Schools ↔️ Naturalistic or Controlled

  Workplaces ↔️ Overt or Covert

  Hospitals ↔️ Controlled