Observational Research Methods

Which of the following best describes external validity?

• The extent to which research findings apply to different populations, settings, and conditions.

• The internal consistency of research findings.

• The reliability of observations made in natural settings.

• The ability to manipulate variables in controlled experiments.

Answer explanation

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

What is the primary aim of naturalistic observation?

• To intervene and alter the observed situation.

• To manipulate variables for comparison.

• To describe natural behavior without intervention.

• To control reactivity of participants.

Answer explanation

Observation in natural (“real-world”) settings without an attempt to intervene or change the situation.

Participant observation involves:

• Observing behavior without interfering in natural settings.

• Actively engaging in the observed setting.

• Selecting specific behaviors to observe.

• Creating structured situations for observation.

Answer explanation

Participant Observation: Observer is an active participant in the natural setting he or she observes.

What is a drawback of disguised observation?

• It helps control reactivity.

• It ensures high objectivity.

• It influences observed behavior.

• It limits ethical considerations.

Answer explanation

Disguised participant observation helps control for reactivity, one of the main problems associated with observation.

Reactivity occurs when people change their usual behavior because they know they are being observed.

Participant observers may sometimes lose their objectivity by becoming too involved in the situation.

Participant observers may influence the behavior of people they are observing.

Structured observation is useful when:

• Observing behavior in natural settings.

• Describing natural behavior.

• Creating specific situations for observation.

• behavior is difficult to observe as it naturally occurs.

Answer explanation

Structured observation is useful when behavior is difficult to observe as it naturally occurs.

Which observational method involves manipulation of an independent variable in a natural setting?

• Naturalistic observation

• Participant observation

• Structured observation

• Field experiment

Answer explanation

Field Experiment: Researcher manipulates an independent variable in a natural setting and observes behavior (dependent variable).

Which type of observational research aims to describe natural behavior without intervention?

• Participant observation

• Structured observation

• Naturalistic observation

• Disguised observation

Answer explanation

Goals: Describe behavior as it normally occurs, examine relationships among naturally occurring variables.

What is the primary objective of participant observation?

• To manipulate variables for comparison

• To observe behavior without interfering in natural settings

• To actively engage in the observed setting

• To select specific behaviors for observation

Answer explanation

Participant Observation: Observer is an active participant in the natural setting he or she observes.

What characterizes structured observation?

• Observing behavior in natural settings without any intervention

• Actively engaging in the observed setting to understand behavior

• Setting up specific situations to observe behavior

• Selecting specific behaviors for comprehensive recording

Answer explanation

Structured Observation: Researcher sets up (structures) a specific situation in order to observe people’s behavior.

Which observational method involves observers blending into the natural setting without being detected?

• Participant observation

• Disguised observation

• Naturalistic observation

• Structured observation