Observation

When psychologists observe the actual behaviour of people in various kinds of situations they try to describe the behaviour as objectively and accurately as possible. Of course this is easier said than done, but an attempt is made to reduce bias, to make sure that within any one study all the observers are watching the same behaviour and measuring it in the same way.

In order to do this it is necessary for all observers involved in the same research to have a clear idea of exactly what they are observing To use a systematic system for categorising and recording information To use more than one observer

One type of observation is known as naturalistic observation in which psychologists try to remain as inconspicuous as possible so they do not influence the behaviour they are observing. This type of observation is said to have high ecological validity. Ecological validity is the extent to which the behaviour being observed reflects behaviour in ordinary real life situations.

An alternative is participant observation in which observers take an active part in a social situation, like participating in an encounter group to study their own as well as other people’s behaviour.

Observation is often used to provide information which can then be used as a basis for further study, usually by using other methods.

Advantages 1. Some observers feel that behaviour will only occur in its true form in free, natural situations. The observation method therefore has high ecological validity.

2. It is possible to collect information about situations where it is either unethical or impractical to perform experiments; for example, it is impractical to carry out an experiment on the effects on children of transferring from a primary to a secondary school, but it is well worth observing these effects.

Disadvantages Observers may be biased and record their own interpretations of what they are observing. If observers use predetermined schedules of observations they may feel that they should fit all behaviour into one or another category, even though there may not be a suitable category for it on the schedule.

2. If people are aware they are being watched, they may not behave as they normally would. 3. It is difficult to control extraneous variables.

TASK You are required to investigate one aspect of human behaviour using ‘observation’ as your research method. Use pages 6-7 in your observation booklet to plan your observation. The ‘activity’ on page 212 of the Banyard text book is a useful starting point.

Reminder! You must not conduct research that involves any risk, distress or embarrassment to participants. Only observe people in public settings. Only observe behaviour you wouldn’t mind being observed doing yourself!