Methods of Observation

Psychological Tests

• Intelligence Tests (general learning ability…..ex. IQ)

• Aptitude Tests (special abilities, talents……...ex. ASVAB, music ability, mechanical)

• Personality Tests (people’s character/traits…socially outgoing, aggressive, introvert/extrovert

CASE-STUDY METHOD

Case-Study Method

• In-depth investigation of an individual or group

• See page 35…

LONGITUDINAL METHOD

Longitudinal Method

• Researchers select a group of participants and then observe those participants over a period of time.

• (could be over years or decades)• Extremely time consuming• Observations may occur once or twice a year.

CROSS-SECTIONAL

Cross-sectional Method

• Researchers select a sample that includes people of different ages. They then compare the behavior of the participants in the different age groups.

• (instead of following a set of individuals over a number of years).

• Less reliable than longitudinal…why?

NATURALISTIC OBSERVATION

Naturalistic-Observation Method

• Also called field study• Observing people or animals in their natural

habitats.• Psychologists try not to interfere with the

organisms they are studying.

Laboratory-Observation Method

• Observe behavior in a laboratory environment, rather than in the field.

LABORATORY OBSERVATION