Research Methods Chapter 4

Front 1

Scientific observation

Back 1

is made under precisely defined conditions, in a systematic and objective manner, and with careful record keeping.

Front 2

External validity

Back 2

refers to the extent to which the results of a research study can be generalized to the different populations, settings, and conditions.

Front 3

Time sampling,

Back 3

researchers seek representative samples by choosing various time intervals for their observations. Intervals may be selected systematically, randomly, or both.

Front 4

Situation sampling

Back 4

involves observing behavior in as many different locations and under as many different circumstances and conditions as possible.

Front 5

naturalistic observation

Back 5

observation of behavior in a natural setting, without any attempt by the observer to intervene.

Front 6

ethnology

Back 6

the study of the behavior of organisms in relation to their natural environment.

Front 7

participant observation

Back 7

observers play a dual role. The observe people's behavior and they participate actively in the situation they are observing.

Front 8

undisguised participant observation

Back 8

individuals who are being observed know that the observer is present for the purpose of collecting information about their behavior.

Front 9

disguised participant observation

Back 9

those who are being observed do not know that they are being observed.

Front 10

structured observation

Back 10

are set up to record behaviors that may be difficult to observe using naturalistic observation

Front 11

field experiment

Back 11

When an observer manipulates one or more independent variables in a natural setting in order to determine their effect on behavior.

Front 12

Narrative records

Back 12

provide a more or less faithful reproduction of behavior as it originally occurred. To create a narrative record, an observer can write descriptions of behavior or use audiotape recordings, videotapes, and film.

Front 13

Measurement sclaes

Back 13

represent different levels at which behaviors can be quantified and the different measurement scales influence how data are subsequently analyzed.

Front 14

Data reduction

Back 14

the process of abstracting and summarizing behavioral data

Front 15

Coding

Back 15

data reduction often involves the process of coding, the identification of units of behavior or particular events according to specific criteria.t

Front 16

Interobserver reliability

Back 16

The degree to which two independent observers agree.

Front 17

Correlation coefficient

Back 17

is a quantitative index of the degree of a covariation

Front 18

reactivity

Back 18

when the observer influences the behavior being observed. When individuals react to the presence of an observer, their behavior may not be representative of behavior when an observer is not present

Front 19

demand characteristics

Back 19

research participants often try to guess what behaviors are expected, and they may use cues and other information to guide what behaviors are expected, and they may use cues and other information to guide their behaviors

Front 20

observer bias

Back 20

the systematic errors in observation that result from an observers expectations