Methods of Observation Chapter 2 – section 3

The Testing Method Intelligence testing Aptitude testing Personality testing

The Case Study Method An in depth study of an individual or small group Techniques for learning about subjects can include observation, interview of the subject or people who know them, research into personal history Psychologists are cautious not to make generalizations based on case study

Some case studies lack reliability because people may forget or distort events. Researchers may also unintentionally encourage people to answer a certain way.

Longitudinal Method To study topics such as development psychologists use this method. Usually conducted at regular intervals Can be time consuming, expensive and there is no guarantee subjects will be available over long periods of time.

Cross Sectional Method The sample includes people from various age groups Researchers compare behavior between groups Can be used to avoid the pitfalls of a longitudinal study but it is less reliable.

The Naturalistic Observation Also called field study Includes observing someone in a natural situation It is important for the researcher not to interfere.

Laboratory – Observation Method Can be formal or informal settings Used often to study animals Skinner boxes Used because observation in a natural setting is not practical or to control environment.

Analyzing Observation Correlation is often used to analyze information. Correlation measures how closely things are related. The stronger the correlation the more closely things are related. Correlation describes relationships it does not reveal cause and effect. Ex. Ice cream sales and crime rate

Positive Correlation – as one item increase so does the other. Ex. Need for achievement and salary Negative Correlation – as one item increases the other decreases Ex. Stress and Health

Positive Correlation

Negative Correlation

No Correlation