(see question 11).
The observation method in experimental psychology is the systematic and purposeful perception and recording of a person's behavior, actions, and psychological manifestations under natural or specially created conditions.
Main characteristics of observation
- Purposefulness — it is carried out to solve a specific research task.
- Systematicity — it is conducted according to a plan developed in advance.
- Objectivity — the researcher strives to minimize the influence of their own expectations and evaluations.
- Recording of results — the data are recorded in protocols, observation diaries, and audio or video recordings.
Types of observation
- By the degree of the observer's participation:
- participant (the researcher takes part in the group's activity);
- non-participant (the observer remains external to the object of study).
- By the conditions in which it is conducted:
- natural (in an environment familiar to the participants);
- laboratory (under specially organized conditions).
- By the degree of openness:
- open (the participants are aware of the observation);
- covert (the participants are not informed of the observation, if this is ethically permissible).
- By the degree of standardization:
- standardized (clear criteria and recording schemes are used);
- free (the observer records a wide range of phenomena without a rigid scheme).
Stages of conducting an observation
- Setting the goal and hypothesis.
- Selecting the object and situation of observation.
- Developing the program and recording criteria.
- Conducting the observation.
- Processing and interpreting the data.
- Formulating conclusions.
Advantages of the method
- It allows behavior to be studied under real conditions.
- It provides rich factual material.
- It is suitable for studying children and people who find it difficult to give verbal reports.
Disadvantages of the method
- The observer's subjectivity is possible.
- It is difficult to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
- The participants' behavior may change because they are aware of being observed.
- The process often requires a considerable investment of time.
In experimental psychology, observation is often used as an independent method or as an auxiliary tool for controlling and interpreting the results of an experiment.
Two main conceptions of truth associated with assessing the objectivity of psychological observation data can be distinguished.
1. The correspondence conception goes back to antiquity. According to this conception, the image of reality created by the observer is objective to the extent that it corresponds to (corresponds with) reality.
2. The conception of consistency (modern). Objectivity as the agreement of the majority of people.
The problem of inter-observer agreement.
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