Methods in Psychology - Methods of Observation: Finding Out What People Do

17 important questions on Methods in Psychology - Methods of Observation: Finding Out What People Do

What are the problems with observation?

Observations differ from person to person
Observations can't tell us about somethings properties (ex. Pectin content)

What are the two main steps to measuring things?

1) define the property you want to measure
2) Find a way to detect it using an instrument

What are the two features of a good detector?

1) power
2) reliability
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

What does it mean for a detector to have power?

Its able to detect the presence of differences or changes in magnitude of a property (ex. A good scale can tell the difference between your weight and your heavier or lighter friend)

What does it mean for a detector to have reliability?

It's able to detect the absence of differences or changes in the magnitude of a property. (ex. A good scale will show the same weight reading for two objects that actually weight the same)

What is a demand characteristic?

Aspects of an observational setting that causes people to behave as they think someone else wants or expects

What three methods can researchers use to avoid demand characteristics?

1) naturalistic observation
2) privacy control
3) unawareness

What are the drawbacks to naturalistic observation?

- researchers sometimes want to measure things that people don't do naturally
- researchers have no control over other elements that might impact peoples behaviour

What is privacy control?

Allowing people to respond privately or measuring things that aren't under voluntary control

What methods to researchers used to create unawareness?

Cover stories or filler items

What is observer bias?

When the expectations of the researcher influence the results of the study

How does observer bias influence study results?

1) expectations can alter what we observe because it can alter the decisions about what "counts"
2) expectations can influence reality by altering how we behave, which can change the results

How do you decrease observer bias?

Using double blind studies

What is a double blind study?

A study in which neither the researcher nor the participant know how the participant is expected to behave

What two techniques to researchers use to make sense of data?

Graphical representations
Descriptive statistics

What is positive skew?

When data leans to the left

What is symmetrical data?

When the left and right sides of the graphical representation are mirror images

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo