Free Essay

Naturalistic Observation Study

In: Social Issues

Submitted By LCN18
Words 585
Pages 3
Our group decided to separately assess the occurrence of behavior chose for our research problem, then compare and contrast our findings. Behavior was to be observed for frequency during a 30 minute time frame, and was conducted on different days at different times.
Cherise conducted her research between the hours of 11:00- 12:00pm and recorded the following results: * The facial expressions of the persons walking and texting, had a smile on their faces and the few who obstructed the path of someone else, smiled at that person on realizing they had. The physical appearance most observed was walking with heads down while using their devices. Verbally, most persons who had obstructed or almost obstructed others apologized for doing so while continuing about their business. There was no observation of anyone losing their balance; it was observed however that some persons actually collided with other pedestrians, while some had to try to avoid collision with vehicles.
Julie conducted her research between the hours of 5:30-7:30pm, and recorded the following results: * It was observed that most persons, whether pedestrians or drivers, had smiles on their faces while using their devices. Physically they conducted their movements/business with their heads down. Given the time of day, verbal responses were not easily seen so as to be recorded. Pedestrians were often seen stumbling; drivers couldn’t be properly assessed in this area. It was observed pedestrians often trying to avoid a collision with others.
Leanne conducted her research between the hours of 3:30-4:30pm, and recorded the following results: * Persons were moving around with smiles on their faces and some persons seemed upset also, while using their devices. Drivers were also observed using their devices whether talking, texting or just checking them in the process of driving their vehicles. Physically persons were generally distracted as they were looking into their devices and not in the direction they were travelling. Verbally most persons appeared apologetic if they either obstructed or collided with others, few continued on their path without saying a word to the other person. Most persons although mostly paying attention to their devices, moved along without loss of stability or balance, few were observed stumbling having miss-stepped off the sidewalk or stumping their toes. Some drivers being unaware of what was happening in front of them (someone crossing the road, etc) were seen braking suddenly or pulling sharply to regain control from hitting/brushing the curb. There was minimal obstruction to others observed when pedestrian traffic was light (most persons were in class), however between 3:55 and 4:15 when more persons were moving between classes incidences of obstruction to others significantly increased.
Generally it can be concluded that persons although distracted my their devices, were most often being pleasantly distracted hence the smiles that were observed and exchanged even though at times slight physical encounters occurred. On the other hand for both pedestrians and motorists, being distracted by their devices too often resulted in physical collisions between persons and loss of diligence on the road in relation to other drivers and pedestrians who were also maneuvering in the same environment, at time presenting near misses for dangerous collisions between the pedestrians and the vehicles. Therefore it can be reasonably concluded that use of the devices not only endangers the user of the device but those around them to physical hazards that could be otherwise avoided if attention was directed moreso to the physical environment than to their device.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Naturalistic Observation

...1. What is naturalistic observation? How does a researcher collect data when conducting naturalistic observation research? a. Naturalistic observation is a method in which observations are made in a natural social setting (Page 119). b. To collect data when conducting naturalistic observation researchers can take detailed notes concerning what they observe, interview key informants to get information about the setting, or examine documents produced in the setting. Researchers conducting naturalistic observation usually use audio or video recordings to gather information as well. (Page 120) 2. Why are the data in naturalistic observation research primarily qualitative? a. Because data is primarily collected by interviewing, taking field notes,...

Words: 483 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

The 3 Basic Types of Descriptive Research Methods

...methods: observational methods, case-study methods and survey methods. This article will briefly describe each of these methods, their advantages, and their drawbacks. This may help you better understand research findings, whether reported in the mainstream media, or when reading a research study on your own. ~Observational Method With the observational method (sometimes referred to as field observation) animal and human behavior is closely observed. There are two main categories of the observational method — naturalistic observation and laboratory observation. The biggest advantage of the naturalistic method of research is that researchers view participants in their natural environments. This leads to greater ecological validity than laboratory observation, proponents say. Ecological validity refers to the extent to which research can be used in real-life situations. Proponents of laboratory observation often suggest that due to more control in the laboratory, the results found when using laboratory observation are more meaningful than those obtained with naturalistic observation. Laboratory observations are usually less time-consuming and cheaper than naturalistic observations. Of course, both naturalistic and laboratory observation are important in regard to the advancement of scientific knowledge. ~Case Study Method Case study research involves an in-depth study of an individual or group of indviduals. Case studies often lead to testable hypotheses...

Words: 610 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Social Issues

...Sociology explores an individual’s behavior and how those behaviors are shaped and affected by the societies they take part in. Sociologist use research methods such as participant observation and surveys to collect their data. In participant observation the researcher spends an extended amount of time in the research location, this is also known as field work (sociology.com, 2013). While at the location the researcher’s gathers information while directly interacting with the participants being observed. They immerse themselves into the culture to better understand the participants being studied. Surveys are another method used for social research. Surveys can gather a large amount of information from various types of sources to research a certain subject. Surveys can come in the form of questions or interviews. The ability of a survey to gather information, quickly, and without manipulation to the subject makes it philosophically justified. Today’s internet technology helps surveys reach even a broader audience to collect data. The World Wide Web allows the ability to take a survey anonymously; this perpetuates the individual to answer more truthfully, and without any external influence. (Jones, 2010) Cultural anthropology studies the variation of cultures among humans. Naturalistic observation and secondary analysis are two very common methods used in the research...

Words: 808 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Observational Research

...without intentionally influencing the behavior and environment of study. The study has several observational styles where the scientist is not involved, can be notably present, but not involved, or becomes a participant for a firsthand view of the experience among the people studied. This hands-off research style requires the scientist to have discernment to remain oblivious, account for instances when their presence can affect the behavior and, as other studies, discipline to remain strictly not bias. The first component in this style of research is naturalistic observations, which is for the scientist to be present, but not involved in the study. This observation can be firsthand through one’s own eyes or even by way of media such as a recording of the activity exemplifying the behavior to be measured. As a side note, these styles are particularly interesting when investigating cross-cultural interactions. Observers would try to remain oblivious to the study and take notes about the study’s mannerisms and character directly related to the behavior they are currently observing. Note taking has to remain, as always, precise and, in time, leading to some conclusions testing a hypothesis. This study can be conducted consistently pending the behavior and specifics of the study group. The second approach is participant research where the scientist is actively infiltrating the group studied for firsthand observations. This approach is the most beneficial as it empowers the scientist...

Words: 662 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Observational Studies In Psychology

...Describe the use of observational studies in psychological research discussing the advantages and disadvantages of this approach. To fully be able to do this we must first outline the different types of observational study and their key differences, i.e. the naturalistic, systematic and structured methodologies. For each of these methodologies this essay will not only provide a definition but also present real life studies extracted from peer reviewed sources and for each of these it will outline a brief description of their aims, methods and findings and will be concluded with the relative advantages and disadvantages of each study based on their method. Finally this essay will conclude by expressing the important role each method plays...

Words: 1194 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Psy-210 Week 1 Appendix B Research Methods

...termed scientific, a method of inquiry must |water on two different bands of paper towels | | |be based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable |to compare the different type of paper | | |evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. A |towels. The hypothesis is formed by examining| | |scientific method consists of the collection of data through |the observations carful and makes an educated| | |observation and experimentation, and the formulation and |guess as to what the outcome might be. | | |testing of hypotheses. | | |Case study method |Rather than using samples and following a rigid protocol to |A Case Study can consist of observation of | | |examine limited number of...

Words: 709 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Observational Techniques in Psychology

...Observational techniques Observational studies are investigations where the researcher observes a situation and records what happens but does not manipulate an independent variable. Observational studies therefore tend to be high in ecological validity as there is no intervention and if the observer remains undetected the method avoids problems with demand characteristics. There are a number of different types of observational studies including naturalistic and controlled observations, non-participant and participant observations, structured and unstructured observations. Naturalistic observation is a research method commonly used by psychologists and other social scientists. This technique involves observing subjects in their natural environment. This type of research is often utilized in situations where conducting lab research is unrealistic, cost prohibitive, or would unduly affect the subject's behavior. Naturalistic observation differs from structured observation in that it involves looking at a behavior as it occurs in its natural setting with no attempts at intervention on the part of the researcher. A non-participant observation is a type of observational study whereby the researcher does not join in with the activity being observed. Controlled observation is a type of observational study where the conditions are contrived by the researcher. This type of observation may be carried out in a laboratory type situation and because variables are manipulated...

Words: 957 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Descriptive Reasearch

...methods including naturalistic observation, case studies, and survey. Naturalistic observation is based on the observation of everyday events. For instance, a scientist who is developing a theory about gender differences may want to spend some time in restaurants, bars, and shopping malls in order to determine which type of gender is most relevant. That scientist is conducting a descriptive research. “The biggest advantage of the naturalistic method of research is that researchers view participants in their natural environments (Hale, 2011).” This is more beneficial because subjects may respond differently under laboratory conditions when they know that they are in an experiment. Case study on the other hand offers in depth research of an individual or their group. These studies are usually carried out in rare or unusual cases and form the foundation for the development of a hypotheses. However, they are not use to study cause and effect. Finally the survey method involves different participants answering questions through interviews or questionnaires. “After participants answer the questions, researchers describe the responses given (Hale, 2011).” The survey should have unambiguous questions so that subjects may not give inaccurate answers in order to please the researcher. Care and thought should be placed with the formulation of the questions. I believe that the best method to use while conducting a descriptive research is the naturalistic observation. Using this method...

Words: 372 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Types of Research

...themselves and one is interested to know the extent to which different conditions and situations are obtained among these subjects. • The word SURVEY signifies the gathering of data regarding present conditions. A survey is useful in: (1) providing the values of facts, and (2) focusing attention on the most important things to be reported. • In this type of survey, it is necessary to determine the psychological and social aspects of research by way of application or implementation of evidence to recognize between facts and influence There are three main types of descriptive methods: observational methods, case-study methods and survey methods. This article will briefly describe each of these methods, their advantages, and their drawbacks. This may help you better understand research findings, whether reported in the mainstream media, or when reading a research study on your own. Observational Method (sometimes referred to as...

Words: 1260 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Research in Psychology

...Chapter 2: Research in Psychology Francine Shapiro/Critical Thinking Tested if eye movements have caused the change in her emotions During and after these eye movement sessions, their reactions to unpleasant thoughts faded away Their emotional flashbacks decreased dramatically Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: EMDR Critical Thinking: The process of assessing claims and making judgements on the basis of well supported evidence What am I being asked to believe or accept?- If EMDR reduces or eliminates anxiety related problems What evidence is available to support the assertion?- Experienced a reduction in her own emotional distress following certain kinds of eye movements Are there alternative ways of interpreting the evidence?- Dramatic effects might not have been due to EMDR but to people’s desire to overcome their problems or perhaps their desire to prove her right The ruling out process leads to the next step in critical thinking: conducting scientific research What additional evidence would help to evaluate the alternatives?- The ideal method for collecting further evidence would be to identify three groups of people with anxiety- related problems who were alike in every way except for the anxiety treatment they received What conclusions are most reasonable?- The research evidence collected so far hasn’t yet ruled out alternative explanations for the effects of EMDR Only reasonable conclusions EMDR remains a controversial treatment It seems to have...

Words: 1153 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Naturalistic Observations and Lies

...This naturalistic observational study was done to assess the behavior of two groups. The girls were insistent that they expressed less aggression than their male counterparts. For this study we are assuming age similarities and surrounding environmental conditions being equal. This study was done in during recess sessions over the course of a week on school property. Breaking this study into the simplest definitions will assist in determining the accuracy of this study and help to explain the observation in a sensible manor enabling the undereducated to understand the results. The mean is considered the average. Or the sum of all scores divided by the number of scores used. For girls the total score is 49 divided by 10 or 4.9. The boys the total score is 51 divided by 10 or 5.1. Once again this would seem to indicate that the boys are more aggressive. The mode is the most frequently appearing score in the distribution of numbers. These numbers are presented for analysis as below. For girls 1 show up 1 time, 4 show up 4 times etc…. 1-1, 4-4, 5-2, 7-2, 8-1, therefore the mode for girls is 4. For boys 2-1, 3-2, 5-4, 6-1, 8-1, 9-1 therefore the mode is 5. By this simple analysis it would appear that boys are more aggressive. The median score is determined by the exact middle of the scores laid out from lowest to highest. Using the same information, the exact middle for girls is 4.5 and for boys it would be 5.0, Indicating that boys are more aggressive. ...

Words: 1181 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Observational Research

...explain that the true goal of observational research is description. To understand behavior so that it can be predicted, controlled, or explained, a scientist must describe it accurately (Franzoi, 2009) which I will explain. Observational research is a social technique that involves direct observation of a subject in it natural setting. It involves the recording test results and not manipulating any of the variables, while being able to be broken down into three categories, naturalistic observation, participant observation, and archival research. Naturalistic observation involves the examination of a subject and its behavior in its natural environment. Participant observation involves the examination of a subject and its behavior in its natural environment as a member of the study group. Example, a test is conducted on underage drinking and the observer is a party guest where alcohol is being served. The third and final type of observational research is archival research. Archival research involves the examination of pre-existing records of a group, individual, or culture. It is mainly used to study the beliefs and norms of a specific culture. Naturalistic and participant observation methods offer many benefits if chosen, but they also have several flaws worth mentioning. The first flaw is the lack of a control. This means that no variables can be manipulated, so extra caution must be taken when concluding how events are correlated. The next issue is observer bias. This...

Words: 388 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Miss

...Observations Naturalistic observations- Naturalistic relates to an unchanged, normal environment within which the subject of the study functions. Observation stands for the requirement of watching how someone behaves in order to gather data. Naturalistic observation, therefore, is a method of observing people in their normal environment it rrefers to gathering data without interfering with the current behaviour. Advantages- It is all natural behavior: When there is no effect on the behaviors of the subject, the data collected is much more honest. People show their true feelings, reactions, and behaviors when they are not being examined or observed. It aids research validation: Naturalistic observation is used to confirm results from experiments that have already been done. They help to check or disprove this data because it gives a truly precise account of results. Portrays things in the view of the real world: The tests can be directed in a real world setting. This makes the answers that are gained much more relevant to the hypothesis’s impact in true, real life settings. This is a type of view that is much more problematic, or nearly impossible, to get with other types of experiments and observations that can be done. It allows you to study unethical topics: It allows the researcher to gather valuable data, without intruding the emotional wellbeing of the subject Disadvantages- Outside influences: When doing the observation you have no control over the effects...

Words: 837 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

App B

...Axia College Material Appendix B Research Methods Matrix A psychologist is planning to conduct a study that would examine pathological liars and the quality of their romantic relationships. You have been asked to provide the psychologist with a recommendation for which research method should be used to gather data on the pathological liars and their spouses. Using the table below list each research method and its advantages and disadvantages for use in this study. |Research Method |Advantages |Disadvantages | |Naturalistic Observation |The behavior is observed in everyday life; |Observer bias- the observes interpretation| | |being able to observe in a natural |can become distorted; it can be difficult | | |environment |understand the behavior | |Case Study |Real life observation of an individual; helps|Since you are observing an individual, it | | |with problem solving |is difficult to come to a conclusion from | | | |a single case | |Correlational Research |Clarifies the relationship...

Words: 417 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Research Methods Booklet Psychology as

...SPEC CHECK + Experimental Method; Lab, Field & Natural experiments + Correlational Analysis and Observational Techniques + Case Studies + Aims and Hypotheses + Experimental Design + Design of Naturalistic Observations and Behavioural Categories + Design and Analysis of Self-Report techniques + Operationalisation of Variables and Pilot Studies + Control of Extraneous Variables, Reliability and Validity + BPS Code of Ethics and Dealing with Ethical Issues + Selection of Participants and Sampling Techniques + Demand Characteristics and Investigator Effects + Analysis, Presentation and Interpretation of Quantitative Data. + Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion + Presentation of Qualitative Data + Process Involved in Content Analysis Experimental Method Laboratory Experiments: Very highly controlled setting IV manipulated by experimenter Increased control, EV's are minimise Easier to replicate study as method and setting are standardised Can lead to increased demand characteristics Highly artificial and therefore lacks ecological validity Field Experiments: Conducted in a natural environment IV is manipulated by experimenter Increased ecological validity Behaviour is more natural and so there may be fewer demand characteristics Less control and so more EV's Harder to replicate Raises ethical issues Natural Experiments: The environment is familiar to the pts IV occurs naturally and is...

Words: 658 - Pages: 3