This document discusses various methods used in observation research including surveys, testing, correlation, and experimental methods. Surveys can use random or stratified sampling while testing includes case studies, longitudinal, and naturalistic observation. Correlation measures the relationship between variables but does not prove causation. Experimental methods use independent and dependent variables to study cause and effect through experimental and control groups in single or double-blind studies.

1. From observation we can
make generalizations
about human nature
and behavior.

2. Methods of Observation
•Surveys
–Target population
–Samples
•Random samples
•Stratified samples
–Accuracy??
•Generalizing Results
•Volunteer Bias

3. • Testing
– Types
• Case-Study
– In-depth (individuals or groups)
– Generalization, Replication, Recollection
• Longitudinal
– Change/develop over time (expense, risk?)
– Cross-sectional (reliability?)
• Naturalistic Observation
– Field Study
• Laboratory
– Control the environment

4. Correlation
• Correlation is the measure of how one
thing is related to another.
– Positive Correlation – one goes up, so does
the other
– Negative Correlation – one goes up, the other
goes down
• CORRELATION does not necessarily
mean CAUSATION.

5. The Experimental Method
• Experiments – Used by researchers to answer
questions about cause and effect.
– Variables -
• Independent Variable
• Dependent Variable
– Groups
• Experimental Group
• Control Group
– Placebo Effect
– Studies
• Single-Blind
• Double-Blind

6. The Experimental Method
• Experiments – Used by researchers to answer
questions about cause and effect.
– Variables -
• Independent Variable
• Dependent Variable
– Groups
• Experimental Group
• Control Group
– Placebo Effect
– Studies
• Single-Blind
• Double-Blind