Data gathering in psychology

Tema	Anglų kalba
Tipas	Topikas
Aprašymas	Psychology as a science has certain methods for data gathering. These methods usually are divided into 3 major groups: First goes experimental method, which is described as the measurement of certain variables under controlled conditions. This is the prototypical scientific method common in most sciences. The second method is correlation method. It is used to determine whether some difference that is not under our control is associated, or correlated, with another difference of interest. And the third, which is the topic of my presentation, is observational method. As the title says itself, it is the way of data gathering by observing. Careful observation of animal and human behavior is the starting point for a further research in psychology. Observing can generally be divided into direct and indirect observation.
Patalpinta	2005-05-07
Parsisiuntė	195
	Parsisiųsti5 KB

Išsamus aprašymas

Direct observation deals with naturally occurring behavior. It is commonly used by biopsychologists to observe animal behavior in natural conditions. Humans can also be observed by direct observation, although that kind of observation requires specific techniques. There are many different techniques that describe the timing of observation, its frequency, longitude, the way data should be recorded in video and audio devices, or written in protocols. Direct observation is usually divided into laboratory observations and field observations.
For the first one, psychologists create an artificial situation and watch someone solving it. This method allows an objective data gathering where almost all variables can be controlled, eliminated or changed. While field observations or naturalistic research takes place in the natural environment. Usually the observer has to camouflage himself in order not to be spotted and not to intercept with the experiment. There is a big fight over these two methods. Naturalistic observation provides data that is much closer to the reality, although it is impossible to control the factors that may influence the observed behavior.
Indirect observation can be split into questionnaires, interviews and psychological testing. Questionnaires allow social scientists to collect information quickly and cheaply. It also gives an opportunity to examine a big group of individuals at the same time. Usually questionnaires ask for readily available information and do not require a lot of soul-searching.
Psychological testing is another form of an indirect observation. It is usually used to observe: mental health, intelligence, moods, personality traits, beliefs, feelings, needs, opinions, abilities, knowledge and the like.
Tests vary in formats from questionnaire type to the exam looking like. Some tests can be made to exam large groups while others certain individuals.
Interviews and questionnaires are also quite similar. Interviews are closer to direct observation method then testing or than questionnaires, because interviews involve an investigator, who collects data in face-to-face manner. Interviews can be structured or open-ended. Structured interviews have definite questions that everyone is expected to answer and precise answer options may be available. While open-ended interviews allow respondents to speak whatever they like under mere question construction designed by the examiner. Although interview is an expensive method for data gathering, since it involves a tête-à-tête work of a qualified psychologist.

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