Chapter 10 - Observational and Archival Research Flashcards
(13 cards)
Observational Research
Involves carefully observing events as they happen. Lacks some degree of control and must be interpreted with caution (could be due to other variables).
Laboratory Observation
Type of observational research takes place in a laboratory and typically has high structure. The researcher has more control over the environment and the situations that the participants are put in.
Naturalistic Observation
Type of observational research that takes place in the participant’s natural environment (usually humans or animals). The researcher has little control of the environment as it’s unaltered by them.
Participant Observation
Type of observational research where the researcher joins the group being observed.
Observer Bias
Having preconceived ideas about what will be observed.
Time Sampling
One way to reduce observer burden/bias. Observes behavior at predefined times and only at those times.
Event Sampling
One way to reduce observer burden/bias. Samples behavior only during a specific set of events.
Participant Reactivity
When subjects behave differently when they know they’re being observed.
Unobtrusive Measures
Ways of observing behavior without the participant knowing.
–> Direct - directly witness behavior.
–> Indirect - record events/outcomes that are assumed to have resulted from a certain behavior.
Archival Research
Involves carefully “observing” what has happened in the past using data that already exists.
Multiple Regression
Way to analyze large/archival datasets. How multiple variables independently predict an outcome.
Factor Analysis
Way to analyze large/archival datasets. How variables cluster together.
Meta-Analysis
Way to analyze large/archival datasets. Uses multiple research studies to combine data into a large sample.
