Final answer:
Participant observation is a research method used in psychology and anthropology to systematically observe and record one's own behavior. It involves immersing oneself in a cultural or social setting to gain insights into the factors that influence behavior. This method helps identify and analyze observer bias while ensuring objectivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The procedure described in the question is known as participant observation. In this research method, a person observes their own behavior systematically and records the occurrence or nonoccurrence of the behavior. It is commonly used in psychology and anthropology to study human behavior in natural settings.
Participant observation involves immersing oneself in a cultural context or social setting to make observations from an 'insider' perspective. By being aware of one's own behavior and systematically documenting it, researchers can gain valuable insights into the factors that influence behavior. This method allows for a deeper understanding of the cognitive and biological processes underlying behavior.
Participant observation also helps researchers identify and analyze observer bias, which can occur when the observer's expectations or research goals influence their observations. To ensure objectivity, researchers establish clear criteria for the behaviors to be recorded and may compare observations by multiple observers to test reliability.