Overview
The lecture covers observation as a method of data collection, its types and characteristics, and introduces correlational studies to examine relationships between variables.
Observation as a Method of Data Collection
- Observation involves collecting data by watching and recording participants' behaviors.
- Can be used independently or alongside other research methods.
- Example: Observing children's aggression after exposure to different models in a study.
Characteristics and Types of Observations
- Four main categories: nature, observer's role, setting, and data collection method.
- Nature: Covert (participants unaware, observer hidden) vs. Overt (participants aware).
- Observer's Role: Participant (observer blends in) or Non-participant (observer remains separate).
- Setting: Naturalistic (unmodified, real-world setting) vs. Controlled (environment is manipulated).
- Data Collection: Structured (behavioral checklist, time/event sampling) or Unstructured (recording all behaviors).
- Unstructured observation is often used as a pilot to develop checklists for structured observations.
- For animal studies, the behavior checklist is called an ethogram.
Examples of Observation Types
- Using a one-way mirror for covert observation.
- Non-participant observer stands off to the side and records behavior without interacting.
Introduction to Correlations
- Correlational studies measure the relationship between two variables (no causation).
- Used when experiments are unethical or impractical.
- Positive correlation: both variables increase or decrease together.
- Negative correlation: one variable increases while the other decreases.
- Variables must be quantifiable for correlation studies.
Data Collection and Representation in Correlations
- Data for correlations can come from self-reports, questionnaires, interviews, or structured observations.
- Results are displayed on a scatter graph, with the line of best fit indicating the trend.
- Upward trend = positive correlation; downward trend = negative correlation; no trend = no correlation.
- Correlations provide background data for future experimental research.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Observation — Watching and recording participants' behaviors for data collection.
- Covert Observation — Observing without participants' knowledge.
- Overt Observation — Observing with participants' awareness.
- Participant Observation — Observer blends into the group.
- Non-participant Observation — Observer stays separate from the group.
- Naturalistic Observation — Observation in a real-world, unmodified setting.
- Controlled Observation — Observation in a manipulated or staged setting.
- Structured Observation — Use of a behavioral checklist for specific behaviors.
- Unstructured Observation — Recording all observed behaviors without a predetermined list.
- Ethogram — Behavioral checklist used in animal observation studies.
- Correlation — A non-causal relationship between two measurable variables.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the examples of observation and correlation presented.
- Prepare for the next topic or reading: further details on correlations.