top4

Types of research

Observation

Survey

Experiment

Other (quasi-exp, small n)

Why do observational study?

Systematic vs. ethological observation

systematic--quantitative, pre-arranged criteria

ethological--qualitative, global

Steps in conducting an observation

Find observable measures

Select setting

Select sampling strategy

Train the observers (interobserver reliability)

Analyze the data

Types of observation

Participant

Overt

Go native

Reactivity

Covert

Difficult to act

May be spotted

Objectivity

Ethical considerations

Types of observation

Nonparticipant

Case studies

Deviant case analysis

Indirect or archival

Content analysis

Advantages of observation

Describing social behavior

Testing things couldn’t otherwise

Disadvantages

Reactivity

Can’t test causality

Generalizability

Ethics