PSYC 110 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Group Dynamics
29 Jun 2018
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B. Qualitative Research (also called: Field Research) Systematic, often long-term,
observation of social phenomena in natural settings. ~1-10 years Most often, we use
Qualitative Research for topics that are complex, and not easy to assess using surveys.
Studies about the homeless (why?)Data are qualitative – NON-numerical Data collected in
text form (not numerical scales). The text from notes and interviews are coded and
organized around themes. Then they are systematically analyzed for patterns. Summaries
are usually non-numerical (although one may count how many people mentioned particular
themes). 1. Observation Observe a group of people (e.g., children at school), or a certain
event (political rally) Data are collected through: Field Journal Interviews Interview vs.
Survey (“open-ended questions”) “How do you decide which candidate to vote for?” Long
term observation of one particular group is called Ethnography (a common method in
Anthropology, too) a. Direct Observation Researcher observes a social group as an
outsider. Does not become part of the group in any way. Usually no influence on group
dynamics. b. Participant Observation Researcher goes beyond mere observation to
participate in the group they are studying. Potential for influencing the group. Ex. Professor
studying dorm life 2. In-depth Interviews Usually a part of Observation studies Can also
be done as a separate method Explore a topic at a more complex level, Use when you
want DEPTH and DIVERSITY of views. Interviewer has very general questions and has the
respondent talk at length. Potential for interviewer bias. Ex. Research on young mothers:
“How do you feel when your baby is sick?” vs. “Do you feel angry, scared, or sad when
your baby is sick?” B. Qualitative Research QUALITATIVE RESEARCH Advantages
Able to study nuances of attitudes and behaviors Able to study whole group – defining
social structure of group More DEPTH and better understanding of what is studied Can be
inexpensive Disadvantages Time-intensive Potential for subjectivity and bias
Conclusions are regarded as SUGGESTIVE rather than DEFINITIVE Smaller sample –
LESS GENERALIZABILITY to larger populations **Examples from Adler & Adler II.
Different Social Research Methods C. Experiment This is the most rigorously controllable
of the methods. You define a situation you want to test and then create that situation in a
lab Experimental group: exposed to test factor Control group: identical in terms of types of
individuals, but not exposed to test factor EXPERIMENTS Advantages Control over
variables Can test specific influences over a specific situation Disadvantages
Artificial environment: how do you know lab setting will be same as in real life? Limited in
scope Ethical concerns – moral concerns of human subject experiments This has been
addressed, by and large, through IRBs (see more below). EXAMPLE: Milgram experiments
(Meyer Reading) Psychological experiment in early 1960’s Conducted variations with
different groups/samples Slightly different than most experiments today – no control group
Purpose: Involved observing people’s willingness to harm others when following orders
Wanted to see threshold for when people would take personal responsibility and disobey
superior ***What did Milgram expect to find? ***What were the results? ***Any
ethical problems with this experiment? Why do people obey authority figures? Assume
their authority is legitimate Fear reprimand/anticipate reward Pass responsibility on to
Document Summary
Qualitative research (also called: field research) systematic, often long-term, observation of social phenomena in natural settings. Qualitative research for topics that are complex, and not easy to assess using surveys. )data are qualitative non-numerical data collected in text form (not numerical scales). The text from notes and interviews are coded and organized around themes. Summaries are usually non-numerical (although one may count how many people mentioned particular themes). Observation observe a group of people (e. g. , children at school), or a certain event (political rally) data are collected through: field journal interviews interview vs. Survey ( open-ended questions ) how do you decide which candidate to vote for? long term observation of one particular group is called ethnography (a common method in. Direct observation researcher observes a social group as an outsider. Does not become part of the group in any way.
