Week Four

Week 4:   Observation

SHORT-ANSWER

1.   Describe the primary goals of naturalistic observation, participant observation, structured observation, and field experiments.

2.   Identify the four measurement scales and provide an example of each measurement scale.

3.   Define and explain the reason for using time sampling and situation sampling in naruralistic observation.

MULTIPLE-CHOICE

3.   Which one of the following statements does not characterize scientific observation?

      A.  There is a heavy reliance on the researcher's memory in describing an observed event.

      B.  The observations are made in a systematic manner with careful record-keeping.

      C.  Observations are made under precisely defined conditions.

      D.  Every effort is made to observe behavior objectively by avoiding personal and situational biases.

4.   In psychological research, we sample individuals’ behavior at different times or in different situations. The goal of sampling behavior is to:

      A.  obtain as many observations as possible.

      B.  infer causes of people’s behavior.

      C.  insure the highest possible interobserver reliability.

      D.  obtain a representative sample of behavior.

5.   Time sampling and situation sampling are used to increase which of the following characteristics of observational findings?

      A.  efficiency

      B.  internal validity

      C.  external validity

      D.  interobserver reliability

6.   In using time sampling to gain a representative sample of behavior, the intervals in which the observations are to be made should be selected:

      A.  haphazardly.

      B.  only randomly.

      C.  only systematically.

      D.  either randomly or systematically, or both.

7.   Researchers use time sampling to obtain:

      A.  as many observation intervals as possible.

      B.  a representative sample of behavior.

      C.  an internally valid set of observations.

      D.  the highest possible interobserver reliability.

8.   Time sampling is not an effective method for sampling behavior that occurs infrequently. To observe behaviors in situations that occur infrequently, researchers choose:

      A.  defined sampling
      B.  event sampling

      C.  random sampling

      D.  field sampling

9.   Researchers who were studying beer drinking among college students made their observations in five town bars, a student center, and a fraternity party. They were better able to generalize their findings because they used:

      A.  condition sampling.

      B.  situation sampling.

      C.  participant observation.

      D.  structured observation.

10. Which of the following is the most likely reason that a researcher studying aggressiveness of children would choose to use naturalistic observation?

      A.  Naturalistic observation would allow for the most precise operational definition of aggressiveness and thus the highest degree of internal validity.

      B.  Naturalistic observation would allow for the greatest control over the setting in which the observations were made.

      C.  Naturalistic observation is the preferred method when moral and ethical limitations apply to the topic under investigation.

      D.  Naturalistic observation is the preferred method when systematic manipulation of independent variables is required.

For "Final Year Students", another 10-point activity for you. Answer the following questions due on Monday, 7 March 2011.
1. What is the difference between behavioral observation and the observational research design?
2. Under what circumstances is it necessary to use sampling (time, event, or individual) during behavioral observation?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of contrived or structured observation compared to naturalistic observation