OBSERVATIONAL RESEARCH

OBSERVATIONAL RESEARCH
















Felicia McCaw
Social Psychology
Strayer University

 
Felicia McCaw
Social Psychology
Strayer University

OBSERVATIONAL RESEARCH
Observational Research Method consists of the study and meticulous gathering of data to support the visual display of behavioral patterns exhibited. There are three types of Observational Research and they are: Covert Observation Research, Overt Observational Research and Researcher Participation.
Covert Observational Research is one of the types of Observational Research Methods which would study individuals or groups without their knowledge. During the process of ensuing study researchers will not identify themselves but will mingle freely with the subject(s) under study undetected and or will observe from a distance. One of the primary concerns of this type of research is the concern of ethics in dealing with any subject(s) to be studied. Because of this concern components that are used are held in confidence and people, cities, names are not to be used but will be referred to as subject a, b, c, d. Compiled data will be analyzed and placed in categories of desired information for future need for study.
Another aspect of Observational Research Method is the Overt Observational Research and it consists of researchers identifying themselves and the goals of research to be done and explain purpose of observations. By starting to relay to said subject(s) to be studied this may cause contamination of results and relay false data due to contrivance on part of subjects unwilling to relay true information or reality of results found on paper. Portrayed on tests, surveys will be ambiguous details which do not relay the truth in its entirety. Questionable is the thought that this type of research will relay no deception…I strongly feel that if a person or group is relaying a portrayal of what they wish projected than this is just imagery and not the true manner of events that is being sought.
Felicia McCaw
Social Psychology
Strayer University
Page 2
Comparing Covert Observational Research to Overt Observational Research the preference for me is Covert because more details and factual behavioral patterns, dysfunctionality and abnormality are discovered without deceit and disguise. The ability to summary and come to the conclusion of the hidden problems in society and lack of societal norms that span from youth to old age is amazing and reflects a sad view of humanity as a whole.
Further, as a beginning student in the field of psychology, the possibility of finding a phenomenon of this magnitude is rather awesome because I get to play the role as Research Participant. It has fortuitously landed in my lap and anyone would be a fool to not absorb the clearly insidious ploy at hand and that is clearly a serious breakdown in societal norms and a new radical way of destroying a person has been established. Unfortunately, the admittance of said behavior will not be confessed openly because of the negative stigma that goes with it and the consequence of actions. Because of this a Research Participant role can only be done if infiltration is possible and notes, details are meticoulsy gathered by more than one and even then ethics would be questioned as well as integrity and truthfulness.








REFERENCES
Homan, Roger, “The Ethics of Covert Methods”, The British Journal of Sociology, Political Science, 57(1), P. 45 – 52.

http://en.wikipedia.org/Wiki/Observational_tech



Causes of Crime – Explaining Crime, Physical Abnormalities, Psychological Disorder, Social and Economic Factors, Broken Windows, Income and Education – Jrank Articles, http://law.Jrank.org/pages/12004/Causes-Crime.html#ixzz1ia2hDzFm