[PSYC2010] - Midterm Exam Guide - Everything you need to know! (26 pages long)

• School: Memorial University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC2010
• Professor: Michele Mercer

Document Summary

Naturalistic observation: a method in which researchers of into the eld (natural environment) and record the behaviour of interest: limitations: cannot control conditions, the observers presence may reduce the accuracy of observations (observer in uence), and observer bias. Observer in uence: the effects of the observer on the behaviour studied (the presence of an unfamiliar individual may cause subjects to act in unnatural ways). Minimized through an adaptation period (to get the subject used to the observer) or by training an individual who is part of the child"s natural environment to record observations. Observer bias: occurs when observers are aware of the purpose of the study. Observers may see and record what they expect to see rather than what the participants actually do. Systematic observation provides info on behaviour, but not reasoning behind behaviour. Researchers commonly combine each type of interview to yield more accurate results.