4.5.2 Observational Methods

• What are observational methods used for in psychology research?

  Understanding real-world behaviors
• Naturalistic observation involves observing behavior in its natural environment
• What is a primary strength of naturalistic observation?

  High ecological validity
• Controlled observations may reduce ecological validity due to the artificial environment.
• What type of data does structured observation provide?

  Quantitative
• Unstructured observation records all relevant behaviors without predefined categories
• What effect can a participant observer cause in a study?

  Hawthorne effect
• A non-participant observer maintains objectivity but may miss nuanced behaviors.
• What are two methods for collecting data in observational studies?

  Quantitative and qualitative
• Match the observational method with its characteristic:

  Naturalistic Observation ↔️ Observing in a natural environment

  Controlled Observation ↔️ Observing in a controlled setting

  Structured Observation ↔️ Using predetermined categories

  Unstructured Observation ↔️ Recording all relevant behaviors
• What is the term used for methods that involve observing behavior in research?

  Observational methods
• Naturalistic and controlled observations differ in their setting and control over variables
• Match the type of observation with its characteristic setting:

  Naturalistic ↔️ Natural environment

  Controlled ↔️ Controlled environment
• What is the ecological validity of controlled observation?

  Low
• Structured and unstructured observations differ in their design and data type
• Match the design of observation with its data type:

  Structured ↔️ Quantitative

  Unstructured ↔️ Qualitative
• What type of data is collected in structured observation?

  Quantitative
• Unstructured observation uses predetermined categories to record behavior

  False
• What is the primary difference between participant and non-participant observers?

  Engagement with the group
• Participant observers have higher engagement with the group but may face potential bias
• Arrange the types of observational methods based on their level of ecological validity from highest to lowest.

  1️⃣ Naturalistic

  2️⃣ Controlled
• Unstructured observation collects qualitative data
• Which type of observer does not engage with the group being observed?

  Non-participant observer
• Non-participant observers may have lower potential bias due to their lack of engagement
• Structured and unstructured observation vary in their design and data type
• Structured observation uses quantitative data.
• Unstructured observation uses qualitative data.
• Participant and non-participant observers differ in their level of engagement
• What are the main types of observational methods used in research?

  Naturalistic, structured, participant
• Naturalistic and controlled observation differ in their setting and control over variables
• Match the type of observation with its characteristics:

  Naturalistic ↔️ Natural environment

  Controlled ↔️ Controlled environment
• Naturalistic observation has high ecological validity.
• Structured observation uses predetermined categories
• Arrange the following observer roles based on their level of engagement with the group:

  1️⃣ Non-participant observer

  2️⃣ Participant observer
• Naturalistic observation takes place in a natural environment.
• Controlled observation takes place in a controlled environment.
• Structured observation uses quantitative data.
• Participant observers may introduce the Hawthorne effect
• What are the main types of observational methods used in research?

  Naturalistic, structured, participant
• Naturalistic observation has low control over variables.