Controlled observations can be easily replicated by other researchers by using the same observation schedule. Here electrodes are attached to the scalp of participants and what is observed are the changes in electrical activity in the brain during sleep ( the machine is called an electroencephalogram – an EEG).Ĭontrolled observations are usually overt as the researcher explains the research aim to the group, so the participants know they are being observed.Ĭontrolled observations are also usually non-participant as the researcher avoids any direct contact with the group, keeping a distance (e.g. This method was used by Albert Bandura to study aggression in children (the Bobo doll studies).Ī lot of research has been carried out in sleep laboratories as well. Sometimes the behavior of participants is observed through a two-way mirror or they are secretly filmed. The observer noted down the behavior displayed during 15-second intervals and scored the behavior for intensity on a scale of 1 to 7. During the Strange Situation procedure infant's interaction behaviors directed toward the mother were measured, e.g.
The categories on the schedule are coded so that the data collected can be easily counted and turned into statistics.įor example, Mary Ainsworth used a behavior schedule to study how infants responded to brief periods of separation from their mothers. Coding might involve numbers or letters to describe a characteristic, or use of a scale to measure behavior intensity. The researcher systematically classifies the behavior they observe into distinct categories.
OBSERVATION SYNONYM CODE
Rather than writing a detailed description of all behavior observed, it is often easier to code behavior according to a previously agreed scale using a behavior schedule (i.e. Participants are randomly allocated to each independent variable group. The researcher decides where the observation will take place, at what time, with which participants, in what circumstances and uses a standardized procedure. However, they can often be very time consuming and longitudinal.Ĭontrolled observations (usually a structured observation) are likely to be carried out in a psychology laboratory.
In general, observations are relatively cheap to carry out and few resources are needed by the researcher.
In addition to the above categories observations can also be either overt/disclosed (the participants know they are being studied) or covert/undisclosed (the research keeps their real identity a secret from the research subjects, acting as a genuine member of the group). However, there are different types of observational methods and distinctions need to be made between: Observation (watching what people do) would seem to be an obvious method of carrying out research in psychology.
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