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Analyze Dr. Lee's research design. Does this study qualify as a naturalistic observation? Justify your decision using the definition of naturalistic observation, and explain how Dr. Lee could redesign the study to correctly use the naturalistic observation method.
Case context: Dr. Lee wants to study how college students study in groups. He sets up a mock library in his laboratory, equips it with cameras, and invites student volunteers to study there for an hour.
Question: Analyze Dr. Lee's research design. Does this study qualify as a naturalistic observation? Justify your decision using the definition of naturalistic observation, and explain how Dr. Lee could redesign the study to correctly use the naturalistic observation method.
Sample answer: Dr. Lee's study does not qualify as naturalistic observation because he is observing the students in a controlled laboratory setting (a mock library) rather than the environment where the behavior typically occurs. To redesign the study as a naturalistic observation, Dr. Lee should go to the actual campus library and inconspicuously observe students studying in their natural environment.
Key points:
- Diagnoses the study as not being naturalistic observation.
- Justifies the decision by noting the controlled laboratory setting.
- Proposes a redesign in an actual, naturally occurring environment (e.g., a real campus library).
Rubric: The student correctly diagnoses that the current study is not a naturalistic observation, justifies this by pointing out the controlled laboratory setting, and provides a valid alternative in a natural environment.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
Related
Observer Bias in Naturalistic Observation
Cons of Naturalistic Observation
Structured Observation
Applications of Naturalistic Observation
The Observer Effect
Techniques for Remaining Inconspicuous in Naturalistic Observation
Strengths of Naturalistic Observation
Limitation of Naturalistic Observation
Suitability of a Research Method
Suitability of a Research Method
Reality Television and Inconspicuous Observation
Disguised Naturalistic Observation
Undisguised Naturalistic Observation
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