Psychology 330
Data Collection & Research Strategies (G & F Ch. 13)

I. Data Collection Techniques

Observational Research Techniques

Researcher observes and systematically records the behavior of individuals in order to describe the behavior 

Two main measurement issues in using behavioral observation:
1) Goal is to measure natural behavior, so observer must be careful to not disrupt the naturally occurring behavior. Can conceal the observer or habituate participants to the observer's presence.
2) Measurements must be based, to some extent, on subjective judgment of the observer, we must ask if the measurements are reliable. We must prepare list of behavior categories and specify exactly which behaviors qualify as instances of each category. This provides clear operational definitions. Then must establish inter-rater reliability.

Observational designs differ with respect to

1)  Degree to which an observer intervenes

       2)  Way in which that behavior is recorded 

        A.  Naturalistic observation (nonparticipant observation...also includes contrived observation)

Observation without intervention

Researcher observes and records behavior in a natural setting

**B. & C. below are Observation with intervention

Why intervene?        

         B.  Participant observation

         C.  Systematic observation --much control exerted over conditions...usually done in a lab setting

         D.  Using archival data (analysis of pre-existing data)  

Problems in Conducting Observational Research

        Demand characteristics

Reactivity

        Observer bias 

                1. expectancy effects

                2.  controlling observer bias     

Survey/Questionnaire Techniques

A research study that uses a survey to obtain a description of a particular group of individuals

More on conducting surveys

II. Research Strategies

            A. Descriptive Strategy

 Focus is on describing (as opposed to explaining or predicting).

Descriptive studies are numerically descriptive.

Case studies use the descriptive strategy.

 
           B. Correlational Strategy

Measuring two different variables for each participant in order to describe the relationship between the two variables. 

The variables are usually measured as they occur naturally—without any attempt to manipulate or control them.

            C. Experimental Strategy

The experimenter manipulates at least one IV. A DV is used to measure the effects of the IV.

4 characteristics of true experiments:

1 – MANIPULATION

2 – MEASUREMENT 

3 –COMPARISON 

4 – CONTROL

The Basic Components of an Experimental Research Study

            D. Quasi-Experimental Strategy

Aim to establish a tentative cause and effect relationship between two variables but cannot satisfy all of the strict requirements needed for a true experiment (often cannot not meet all of the above requirements in a natural settings)

Uses some of the rigor and control used in true experiments. But in some way, lack the control found in true experiments (usually lack random assignment of participants to conditions), so ability to draw a causal inference is impaired

        E. Non-Experimental Strategy

Two different groups are involved, but the researcher does NOT manipulate a variable to create the groups

Often lumped in with the quasi-experimental strategy