The document discusses observational research, highlighting two main types: naturalistic observation and participant observation, with examples from Jane Goodall's studies on chimpanzees and Robert Sapolsky's work on baboons. It also addresses challenges in observational research, such as observer bias, variable control, and participant reactivity. Additionally, it references a study by Rosenhan demonstrating diagnosis inaccuracies in psychiatric settings.

1. Observational Research
Brian J. Piper, Ph.D.

2. Types
• Naturalistic Observation: observe the behavior
as an outsider
• Participant Observation: observe the behavior
as in insider

3. Naturalistic Example 1: Jane Goodall
• Dominant Views
– tool use is defining feature of humans
– Chimpanzees are docile vegetarians
1934-
2 min:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKyrLFyOi04

4. Ethogram

5. Naturalistic Example #2:
Robert Sapolsky
• Baboons and culture
1957-
2 min:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_HVhlJ4AmQ

6. Participant: Accuracy of Diagnosis
Decision • 8 healthy pseduo-patients presented to
SCZ- SCZ+ 12 psychiatric hospitals with complaint
SCZ- Correct Type I of hearing voices
Reality
Diagnosis error • Acted normal but 11 diagnosed as
schizophrenic
SCZ+ Type II Correct
error Diagnosis • Fellow patients, but not staff, were
suspicious
• Released after 7-52 days (mean = 19)
1929-2012
0:37-3:30: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq-7uvVOoyk
Rosenhan (1973). Science, 179, 250-258.

7. Challenges
• Control: variable
• Observer bias: data fits with hypothesis
– Inter-observer reliability
• Correlation
• Participant reactivity: participants may react to
observer(s)
– Unobtrusive Measures: cameras
http://www.myspace.com/video/tippytoes/polar-bear-moon-walk/59921647