The observational method is a systematic and planned observation of the external activities that manifest psychological phenomena under natural conditions, in order to discover the regularities in the generation and development of psychological phenomena.
For example, observing students' behavior in the classroom can provide insights into their stability of attention, emotional state, and other characteristics.
1. Applicable Scope
(1) When the object of study cannot be controlled.
(2) When certain behaviors may be influenced under controlled conditions.
(3) When certain phenomena cannot be controlled due to social moral requirements.
2. Advantages
(1) Wide applicability.
(2) Simple and easy to implement.
(3) Direct understanding of the observed behavior, thus collecting first-hand data.
(4) The observed individuals are in a natural state, making the collected materials relatively authentic.
Zhao's mnemonic: "Pick up a needle in a haystack."
3. Disadvantages
(1) It involves randomness and cannot reveal causal relationships.
(2) It is difficult to conduct repeated observations, and the results are also difficult to test and confirm.
(3) The obtained results are difficult to analyze accurately.
(4) Due to the lack of control over conditions, irrelevant objects may appear during observation, while the phenomena to be studied may not occur (difficult to control the occurrence of the target phenomenon).
(5) Observations are prone to "confirmation bias," meaning that the results can be influenced by the observer's interests, desires, knowledge, experience, and observation skills.
Zhao's mnemonic: "No causality, no repetition, not precise, no control, each takes what they need."
The experimental method is a method of observing a certain psychological phenomenon under controlled conditions.
Tip:
Difference between experimental method and observational method: In the experimental method, the researcher can intervene in the activities of the subjects, systematically manipulate the independent variables, control extraneous variables, and create conditions for the occurrence and repetition of psychological phenomena.
1. Classification
(1) Laboratory experiment: Conducted using specialized experimental devices under strict control of experimental conditions.
(2) Field experiment: Conducted in the context of people's normal learning and working, with appropriate control of experimental conditions.
2. Advantages
(1) It can reveal causal relationships.
(2) It is repeatable and testable.
(3) Clear quantifiable indicators.
Zhao's mnemonic: "Causal, repeatable, testable, quantifiable."
3. Disadvantages
(1) Experimenter effect: The researcher's expectations and attitudes may influence the experiment.
(2) Participant effect: Participants may become aware that they are being experimented on, which may interfere with the objectivity of the experimental results.
(3) It is not suitable for measuring complex behaviors.
(4) Not applicable for exploratory research.
Zhao's mnemonic: "Experimenter and participant, not complex, not exploratory."
