Observational Designs

1
Observational Designs

• Accurate Observation and Description are Basic to
  Science
• Kathryn Kogan, Spring 2008

2
Descriptive Research

• Correlational Designs
• Case Studies

• ObservationalDesigns

3
Observational Designs

• In this type of research, the psychologist
  observes and systematically records behavior.
• The goal is to describe behavior as fully and as
  accurately as possible.
• Accurate description of behavior gives a
  foundation for further research.

4
Examples of Research Questions Requiring an
Observational Design

• How do preschoolers respond after being placed in
  time-out?
• How long do people make eye contact with a
  disabled person?
• Are there different personality
• types among infant Rhesus monkeys?
• What percentage of the population receives
  treatment for emotional disorders in a given year?

5
Designing an Observational Study

• WHERE will the observations be made?
• In the field? In the laboratory?
• Situation sampling
• WHAT behaviors will be observed?
• How will they be operationally defined?
• WHEN (How often/for how long) will the
  observations be taken?
• Time sampling

6

• Will the participants KNOW they are being
  observed?
• How will the behavior be RECORDED?
• Who will make the observations?
• How will accuracy be assured?
• Interrater Reliability
• Making decisions The issue of sampling
• When we select a sample of an individuals
  behavior to measure, we hope that slice will
  accurately represent that persons behavior in
  other situations.

7
Issue What type of data will be produced?

• A record of specific behaviors
• How many times did Johnny hit Pete?
• Quantitative data created.
• A comprehensive or narrative record of
  behavior
• A 10 minute video of Johnny Pete playing.
• Yields qualitative or quantitative data.

8
Issue How Visible/Involved is the Observer?

• This decision can impact participants behavior
  and has implications for the accuracy of
  observations made.

9
Two Problems Arise

• Subject Reactivity
• When the natural behavior of participants is
  altered by the presence of an observer.
• Behavior is altered when participants know
  theyre being observed.
• Participants respond to demand characteristics
  embedded in the situation.
• Observer Bias
• Inaccuracy that results from the observers
  expectations or style of observing.
• Observing measuring behavior does require
  subjective interpretation by the observer.
• Expectancy effects

10
Direct Observation Methods

• Naturalistic Observation
• This method seeks to record behavior as it
  naturally occurs.
• Researcher seeks to minimize interference with
  the participants natural behavior.
• Techniques for reducing interference
• Participant Observation (the researcher or
  confederate is participating)
• Undisguised
• Disguised
• Use of confederates

11

• Structured Observation
• The researcher sets up a situation in which
  participants behavior is then observed.
• What are some advantages?
• Disadvantages?
• Observational studies in the laboratory
• What are some advantages?
• Disadvantages?

12
Indirect Observation

• Use of archival records
• Data are gathered from existing records kept by
  an institution.
• Accuracy of the research findings will be limited
  by the quality of the archival information.
• Use of physical traces
• materials left behind by people (letters,
  journals, artwork)
• These methods eliminate the problem of subject
  reactivity but they also limit what can be
  observed.