Observational Techniques in Psychology - 946 Words

Observational techniques Observational studies are investigations where the researcher observes a situation and records what happens but does not manipulate an independent variable. Observational studies therefore tend to be high in ecological validity as there is no intervention and if the observer remains undetected the method avoids problems with demand characteristics. There are a number of different types of observational studies including naturalistic and controlled observations, non-participant and participant observations, structured and unstructured observations. Naturalistic observation is a research method commonly used by psychologists and other social scientists. This technique involves observing subjects in their†¦show more content†¦carries on working? Whilst at the same time? Listens to music? Behavioural categories should be mutually exclusive (not overlapping) but in reality this is often difficult to do with a checklist. [pic] Advantages of using a coding scheme are that they are fairly simple to carry out and that they provide quantitative data which can be analysed statistically. However observation using coding schemes has a main weakness. It gives a very restricted view of what is actually happening. The researcher may miss important behaviour and the data is not as in-depth as simply observing behaviour which is occurring. An unstructured observation involves the researchers recording the behaviour they can see. This can be difficult without the use of recording equipment (such as a video camera), can be difficult to analyse but does provide rich qualitative data. Furthermore with unstructured observations there is a tendency for observers to record the most eye-catching or noticeable behaviours which might not be the most relevant or important behaviours to record. A controlled observation occurs when the researchers control some variables. These observations may be carried out in laboratory situations or natural situations. Sampling observational data Sometimes observations are made continuously where the observers record everything that happens in detail, perhaps with a video camera. Sometimes researchers use a samplingShow MoreRelatedThe Role Of Observation Of Psychological Research1508 Words   |  7 PagesOption B Discuss the role of observation in psychological research, drawing from examples from chapters 3, 6 and 8 of Investigating Psychology In order to evaluate the usefulness of observational studies in psychological research this assignment will first briefly explain the role of observation. It will proceed by drawing from an example of observational studies conducted by Bandura et al (1963) as cited in Oates (2014), in order to illuminate the value of observation. Additionally it willRead MoreImplementing Observational Learning 844 Words   |  4 PagesThe following essay provides the reader with a cursory understanding of observational learning and how it may be implemented within the classroom. The paper first explores a workable definition of observational learning primarily through the concept of modeling and vicarious learning. The second part discusses the roles of the teacher and environment. The paper then discusses how observational learning may be used to teach positive attitudes and effective thinking skills, also achieved through vicariousRead MoreThis Essay Will Evaluate The Use Of Observation As A Me thod1388 Words   |  6 Pagesof observation as a method of study within psychology. Initially, the essay will discuss the two traditional methods of investigation which are experimentation and observation, before undertaking a deeper examination of the observational method itself. It will then consider where the use of the observational method has proven successful, with supporting evidence of research in which it played a key role. In closing, the limitations of the observational method in psychological research will be consideredRead MoreEssay on Behaviorism: Modern Applications1240 Words   |  5 PagesTolman, and John B. Watson. These men opposed the study of consciousness believing that psychology should instead focus on only what could be seen, heard, or touched. The result was a science of behavior that viewed human beings as machines (Schultz Schultz, 2008). This paper offers a discussion of the evolution of behaviorism, the contributions of Albert Bandura, and the impac t of behaviorism on modern psychology and life in the 21st century. The major schools of thought which preceded behaviorismRead MoreThe Purpose Of This Essay Is To Evaluate The Use Of Observation1485 Words   |  6 Pagesuse of observation as a method of study within psychology. In order to undertake this evaluation the essay will initially discuss two traditional methods of investigation which are experimentation and observation. Furthermore, it will highlight differences between the two methods. In the second part of the essay, a deeper examination of the observational method itself will be undertaken. Here, examples of research in which the use of the observational method has proven successful will be consideredRead MoreAlbert Bandura s Social Learning Theory1340 Words   |  6 Pages Bandura’s theory is based on how people can learn by observing others, how internal mental states influence people, and how learning something does not change one’s behavior every time. Bandura was able to find out that people learn by three observat ional models. The first model is the live model which includes observing how someone demonstrates the behavior, the verbal instruction model which learning occurs through auditory directions, and the symbolic model where modeling occurs through mediaRead MoreOrganizational Psychology Paper Psy 428924 Words   |  4 PagesOrganizational Psychology Paper Shanna Brookins PSY/428 12/12/2011 Organizational Psychology Paper Introduction Organizational psychology is the study of a formal organization and how individuals and groups act within that organization; in other words, the scientific study of the workplace. The goal of organizational psychology is to help organizations function the best way possible. This is achieved by helping people understand their interactions with each other and create an environmentRead MoreCareer Goals : My Career Essay1393 Words   |  6 PagesAs a student of psychology, my career assessments test showed me many options for my career goal path. For starters, my career interest profile results are broken into six main categories which are: social, artistic, investigative, enterprising, realistic, and conventional. According to my results, my career matches are as followed: preschool, primary, secondary, and special education teacher. I am 28% social, 22% artistic, 17% investigative, 11% enterprising, 10% realistic, and 9% realistic. AccordingRead MoreThe Social Of Social Cognitive Th eory1591 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract: The Social Cognitive Theory is perhaps the most comprehensive and complex learning theories in the field of psychology. The theory attempts to explain how our social environment has a great influence on our behaviors and actions. Albert Bandura is the most notable psychologist of the Social Cognitive Theory. He has conducted intense research and experiments for over 50 years and continually strives to improve the strengths and correct the limitations of the theory. The Social CognitiveRead MoreBehaviorism Views On Human Behavior1030 Words   |  5 Pagesone of the most colorful personalities in thehistory of psychology. Although he did not invent behaviorism, he became widelyknown as its chief spokesman and protagonist. Watson was brought up in the prevalent tradition: Mechanism explains behavior. In a widely used textbook (Watson, 1914) he said that the study ofthe mind is the province of philosophy; it is the realm of speculation andendless word games. The mind has no place in psychology. A science ofpsychology must be based on objective phenomena