Question

Observational research is the systematic process of recording human ____ or ____ of occurrences without normal _____ with the people who are being observed

Answer 1

Observational research involves recording human actions or events without interacting with the subjects being observed, to gain qualitative insights with minimal bias. Observer bias is a concern, which can be mitigated with careful methods like inter-rater reliability. Participant observation is an immersive method under this research type.

Step-by-step explanation:

Observational research is the systematic process of recording human behavior or patterns of occurrences without normal interaction with the people who are being observed.

The use of observational studies allows researchers to measure characteristics in a sample without attempting to manipulate or control the variables of interest.

One major challenge in this type of research is observer bias, which can occur when those recording the data may unconsciously influence or skew their observations to fit their preconceived hypotheses or expectations. To mitigate this, clear criteria for data recording should be established and multiple observers should be engaged to ensure inter-rater reliability.

A well-executed observational study can provide valuable qualitative data and insights into natural behaviors within a given setting.

Participant observation is a particular method within observational research where the researcher actively immerses themselves in the group or setting to observe from an "insider" perspective. T

his ethnographic approach can be invaluable for gaining a nuanced understanding of social behaviors and environments, although it is not without its challenges.

Some scenarios may not lend themselves to unobtrusive observation, requiring researchers to consider ethical considerations and choose appropriate methodologies.

Answer 2

Observational research is a systematic process of recording human behavior or occurrences without normal interaction with the people being observed.

Step-by-step explanation:

Observational research is a systematic process of recording human behaviors or patterns of occurrences without normal interaction with the people being observed. This method of research is crucial in situations where it is neither possible nor ethical to conduct experimental studies. To ensure the accuracy of the observations, researchers need to establish clear criteria for what is to be recorded and how to classify these behaviors.

Observer bias is a potential problem in observational research because the observers may subconsciously skew their observations to align with their expectations. Inter-rater reliability is one way to combat this, where observations of the same event are compared between multiple observers to ensure consistency. Moreover, observational studies can include techniques like participant observation, where a researcher immerses themselves in a group to observe from an insider perspective.

In participant observation, researchers might take on roles within the communities they are studying to minimize the chances of altering the behavior of their subjects - this helps in acquiring a more authentic insight into the community's norms and activities. However, this is not always feasible in sensitive environments, and researchers must choose methods that protect their subjects and serve their research goals effectively.