PSY 290

Focuses on people behaving in their natural settings and describing the world in their own words.

Conclusions based on interpetations drawn by the investigator

focus on specific behaviors that can be easily quantitified (Numbers, measured)


Conclusions based on statistical analysis

researcher makes observations in a natural setting (the field) over an extended period of time using a variety of techniques to collect information

Remember: requires accurate description and objective interpetation with NO prior hypothesis(es)

(Naturalistic Obs)

Observation does not fit the explanatory structure decised by the researcher

Careful Observation of one or more specific behaviors in a specific setting

quanitifiable

• Prior Hypothesis

developed by the researchers to fit the needs of a study

Must be simple as possible

(children video example for various types of play)

Issue in systematic observation: the possiblility the observer will affect people's behaviors

degree which a measurement reflects a true score rather than measurement error

longer periods provide a more accurate and useful data than single, short observations

description of people or settings being observed

also called Naturalistic obervation

type of case study where a researcher applies psychological theory to explan the life of an individual (usually historical)

no direct observations

previous compiled research to answer questions

analyze existing data

stats, survey archives, public records

collected by public and private organizations

(US Census)

Surveys on record

• political polls
• social surveys
• etc
• never sure of accuracy of data

systematic analysis of existing documents