Observation In Psychology

This essay will evaluate the use of observation as a method of study within psychology. Initially, the essay will discuss the two traditional methods of investigation experimentation and observation, before undertaking a deeper examination of the observational method itself. It will then consider where the use of the observational method has proven successful, with supporting evidence of research studies in which observation played a key role. Finally, the limitations of the observational method in psychological research will be considered together with why other techniques have to be contemplated when conducting research.

Two traditional methods used in psychological research are the experimental method and the observational method. In the
Data can be both qualitative or quantitative and can be analysed depending on the perspective taken. Bandura et al cited in Oaes(2012), conducted research into the extent in which children imitate aggressive behaviour. The idea was to examine what factors affect imitation and in order to do this they devised the famous 'Bobo doll experiment'. In the experiment children were shown a film of a model using aggressive behaviour directed towards a 'Bobo doll'. After watching this film, children had their play behaviour both recorded on film and observed through a one-way mirror for analysis. The dependent variable which was aggressive behaviour shown by the children after watching the film was then rated using an agreed coded scale. By observing the children in this covert way, researchers could analyse as inconspicuously as possible the children's behaviour allowing play to be as natural as possible. Though this study was observational it was unusual to the degree that it was set in a laboratory. However, it is a classic demonstration of how observational research should be conducted; systematic and without influencing or interfering with the behaviour they wished to
Then Bigelow and La Gaipa (1975), used content analysis to identify features relevant to their research question from the children's writing. This allowed written text to be quantified, allowing generalisations to be made relating to children's friendships. Due to the flexibility of allowing the children 'free reign' to explain in their own terms what friendship was to them, that data which was obtained was naturalistic and devoid of restrictions which may have influenced the research findings. A second research study into friendship cited by Brownlow (2012), which used the observational method to study communicative processes which make up the world of young children was that of Corsano (1985). This research did not wish to use children's words to examine patterns but wished to explore what friendship meant during particular times and places within childhood. An ethnographic approach was undertaken similar to the research conducted by Festinger (1956), allowing the researcher to actively participating in the research with the group. Brownlow (2012), states that by becoming a member of the group Corsano (1985), could become familiar first hand with cultural influences and values shared by the target group. In doing so a picture of the complex behaviours which cannot be studied outside of their natural