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. This involves training your obsevers

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 – inter-observer reliability

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. Covert Ecological validity is the extent to which the behaviour being observed reflects behaviour in ordinary real life situations.

An alternative is structured observation in which behaviour is observed in a controlled environment –like Bandura did using one way mirrors. A structured observation schedule may also be used - again like Bandura used to observe how the children copied the modelled behaviours

It can be a research method on its on Observation is often used to provide information which can then be used as a basis for further study. It can be a research method on its on Or It can be used as a technique for gathering information for another research method. i.e observation is used in animal experiments

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. 4. It can be construed as an invasion of privacy and therefore unethical

TASK You are required to investigate one aspect of human behaviour using ‘observation’ as your research method. It needs to be linked to Social Learning Theory We will be conducting our observation next lesson

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

Bring your science pack next lesson Use the Dalmatian dog book p66 onwards And your Brain text book p309 onwards to supplement your understanding of the observation research method Remember your understanding of psychology rests on your understanding research methods.