METHODS OF OBSERVATION

TESTING METHOD  Measures various elements of human behavior (intelligence, personality)  Advantage: Convenient methods for researchers to gain insight  Disadvantage: may not provide a complete picture of one’s true abilities

CASE-STUDY METHOD  In-depth investigation of individuals or small groups  Advantage: provides insight into specific cases  Disadvantage: study cannot be replicated; interviews may be distorted

NATURALISTIC OBSERVATION  Observe behavior in natural environment  Advantage: Settings are not artificial; how people behave can be assumed normal behavior  Disadvantage: No control over the setting or events

LABORATORY OBSERVATION METHOD  Observe behavior in laboratory setting  Advantage: control certain aspects of the study  Disadvantage: cannot duplicate real-life environments; people know they are being watched

LONGITUDINAL METHOD  People are observed at intervals over a long period of time  Advantage: see how individuals change over time  Disadvantage: time-consuming; expensive; people may not be available

CROSS-SECTIONAL METHOD  Study people in different age groups at a given time  Advantage: Less time-consuming  Disadvantage: Differences between members may not be because of age/development