PSYB01H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Mass Communication, Participant Observation, Confirmation Bias
Document Summary
Data is numeric (or can be converted into numeric) Usually looks at fewer features/variables for a larger group: qualitative. Usually looks more intensely at smaller number of p"s or groups. Can help generate ideas for future research: disadvantages. Potential for observer bias (they are looking for something) / confirmation bias (only seek what they want to see to confirm their belief. Observing behaviour from the outside: participant observation: researchers enter the context they are interested in studying and maintain field notes chronicling their observations, usually provides rich narratives about the experiences of the observed and the observer, advantages: Introduces us to the world of others. The researcher is able to experience the same environmental conditions as the participants. Can collect information on factors that may not be overtly observable: subjectivity is a major advantage of participant observation and it is also a major disadvantage.
