Observational_Research

Observational Research Observational research is a research without manipulation. Social psychologists use this type of research method to record data in a very descriptive manner to achieve the best documentation. Observation research is a scientific method involving systematic qualitative and/or quantitative descriptions of behavior. (Franzoi, 2009). This type of research involves 3 subdivisions including naturalistic observation, archival research, and participant observation. Naturalistic observation is the portion of observational research that examines behavior in its natural habitat. The process can be extensive; it includes documentations and recordings of social behaviors in different natural environments. Researchers who use the naturalistic observational method do not impede with the subject or environment to keep it as natural as possible. This way the process or the subjects’ behaviors will not be altered. Participant observation is the section of observational research that is equivalent to naturalistic observation with the exception of the researcher becoming a participant of the group being evaluated. This method is particularly important because it allows the participating researcher to closely interpret the circumstances. There are many included advantages for the participant and naturalistic observational methods. Researchers have the opportunity to do many things like documenting unusual events, witnessing actual mannerisms of the subject, and observing uncircumstantial proceedings that may not have been witnessed by a researcher in previous occasions. Although there are many advantages to these observational methods, barriers do exist. Observer bias occurs when scientists’ preconceived ideas about what they are studying affect the nature of their observations. (Franzoi, 2009). Researchers must also pay very close attention to the determining factors of their drawn up conclusions because they cannot manipulate the environment. Therefore, it is possible to have different interpretations. Finally, regardless of the objectivity of the researcher, the environment may still be altered due to their presence. Archival research is the last observational method, it examines records that have already been documented. The records may pertain to individuals, groups, and cultures. Examples of archival material include diaries, music lyrics, televisioin programs, census information, novels, and newspapers. (Franzoi, 2009). Overall, observational research is a great way to help scientist understand behavior so that it can be clarified and furthermore controlled in a later time frame. The key to this method is to be sure to provide full proof of proper documentation. This way the indepth descriptions of the behaiviors can later be predicted properly. References Franzoi, S. L. (2009). Conducting Research in Social Psychology. In Franzoi, Social Psychology (pp. 30-55). Boston: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.