Question

Whenever you see Louis with his family at the YMCA, what type of observation is this?

Answer 1

Observing Louis with his family at the YMCA is an example of unstructured observational research, which differs from structured observation and requires careful consideration of observer biases.

Step-by-step explanation:

Observing Louis with his family at the YMCA is an example of unstructured observation, which is a type of observational research. In unstructured observation, there is no specific plan or set of guidelines for the observer to follow. Instead, observations are made in a more natural, less controlled environment, which can provide a genuine picture of subjects' behaviors and interactions.

This method contrasts with structured observation where participants are observed while engaging in predetermined tasks, as in the Strange Situation procedure devised by Mary Ainsworth to assess infants' attachment styles with their caregivers. Unstructured observation allows researchers to collect data without influencing how subjects would normally behave. However, conclusions drawn from unstructured observations can be influenced by the observers' own experiences and biases, and this method also requires considerable time and may involve expenses and an element of luck.

Answer 2

Observing Louis with his family at the YMCA would be an example of casual or informal observation, as opposed to structured observation used in research like Ainsworth's Strange Situation. This type of casual observation is common and tends to be based on personal experiences and perceptions, lacking the scientific rigor of observational research methods like participant observation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Whenever you see Louis with his family at the YMCA, the type of observation you are making could be considered informal or casual observation. Observational research, as mentioned in the reference information, involves systematically watching subjects in a specific setting, and often requires significant investments of time and money. It can be structured, like in Ainsworth's Strange Situation, where infants are observed in a controlled environment to evaluate attachment styles, or it can be unstructured, which might be more akin to noticing patterns or behaviors without a predetermined checklist or system.

An observation at the YMCA is unstructured and is based more on casual or spontaneous noticing rather than a rigorous research procedure. As humans, we tend to draw conclusions or make assumptions based on our own experiences and what we see. This type of observation is common in everyday life and does not normally follow the scientific method or protocols found in formal research contexts such as studies conducted by sociologists or psychologists.

In contrast, a sociologist conducting a study may employ participant observation, engaging with a group while observing their behaviors and interactions within a study's structured framework. This method allows for in-depth understanding of a social setting, but also requires careful consideration not to influence the group dynamics as a participant.