PSY 250 : PSY250chapter3notes.doc
Document Summary
Data collection techniques: to observe behavior first must define behavior, operational definition, describes exactly what the variables are and how they are measured within the context of the study, validity, external results of study apply to individuals and behaviors outside the study. Increased internal validity controls for extraneous factors that can affect the observations: increased control over the factors increases internal validity but behavior may become more artificial and lower the external validity, reliability, the degree to which the result of a study can be replicated, requires strict definitions/ rules for classifying and scoring data. Unlimited choices: surveys/interviews, question in person, allows flexibility, do not have to wait for behavior to naturally occur, problems. Archival data: observing behavior from pre existing records, content analysis, involves analysis of what someone has said (speech or interview) or written, analyze a record of what someone has said or written in the past, no interaction takes place between the research participant and the researcher.
