Naturalistic observation pesentation.pptx

Naturalistic observation all explained.

1. Naturalistic Observation

2. Topics Will be Discuss Introduction & History Types and Variations Examples and Case Studies Data Collection Techniques Challenges and Limitations Naturalistic Observation

3. Present the historical evolution and origins of naturalistic observation as a research method, including its early use and development. Cover the basic principles and provide a clear definition. Explain the various types and variations of naturalistic observation, such as structured versus unstructured observation, and how they are applied in research. Provide specific examples and case studies where naturalistic observation has been used effectively to study behaviors or phenomena, illustrating its practical applications. Explain the various techniques and methods used for data collection in naturalistic observation, including the importance of maintaining objectivity. Explore the challenges and limitations associated with naturalistic observation, including issues like observer interference, time-consuming nature, and potential bias Muhammad Wasif Topic Distribution Nabeel Majeed Sania Sabir Fatima Afzaal Tasmiah Javed Naturalistic Observation

4. Introduction & History Present the historical evolution and origins of naturalistic observation as a research method, including its early use and development. Cover the basic principles and provide a clear definition.

5. Introduction Naturalistic observation is a research method in psychology and other social sciences that involves observing and recording the behavior of individuals or groups in their natural environment. This method has a rich historical evolution and origins dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries Naturalistic Observation 5

6. History of Naturalistic Observation evolution and origins dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries

7. Evolution and origins dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries Charles Darwin (1830s-1870s) The foundations of naturalistic observation can be traced back to Charles Darwin's work on evolution. His extensive observations of plants and animals in their natural habitats influenced the development of this method. William James (late 19th century) Often referred to as the "Father of American Psychology," William James emphasized the importance of studying behavior in its natural context. He encouraged researchers to observe and describe human experiences and behavior as they occur naturally. Child Development Studies Researchers like Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky employed naturalistic observation in their studies of child development. They observed children in natural settings to better understand cognitive and social development. 7 The Chicago School of Sociology (early 20th century) Sociologists at the University of Chicago, including George Herbert Mead and Charles Horton Cooley, adopted naturalistic observation to study human behavior in urban settings. Their research contributed to the development of symbolic interactionism and the understanding of social interactions.

8. “A research method in which behavior is observed and documented in its natural environment without manipulation by the researcher.” Definition Naturalistic Observation Core Concepts: 1. Natural Environment 2. Non-Interference 3. Unobtrusive Observation 4. Description and Documentation 5. Contextual Understanding 6. Qualitative Data 7. Inductive Approach 8. Ecological Validity

9. Importance The historical evolution of naturalistic observation reflects a broader shift in the social sciences toward understanding behavior in context and emphasizing ecological validity, which means studying behavior as it naturally occurs. This method continues to be an important tool for researchers to gain insights into human and animal behavior in real-world situations. Naturalistic Observation 9

10. Types and Variations Explain the various types and variations of naturalistic observation, such as structured versus unstructured observation, and how they are applied in research.

11. Types and Variations Participant Observation The researcher becomes an active participant in the environment they are observing. This allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the subject's perspective. Non-Participant Observation In this approach, the researcher observes without directly participating in the activities. This can be less intrusive but may limit the researcher's understanding of the subject's experience. Structured Observation Researchers use specific criteria to guide their observations. This can include checklists, coding systems, or predetermined categories for behaviors. 11 Observations are conducted without the subjects being aware they are being observed. This reduces the chance of the "Hawthorne effect" (altering behavior when aware of being observed) but can raise ethical concerns. Researchers do not use predefined criteria, allowing for more open-ended and exploratory observations. This approach can be more flexible but may require more interpretive analysis. Unstructured Observation Hidden Observation

12. Types and Variations Systematic Sampling Researchers collect data at specific time intervals or under specific conditions, making it easier to analyze patterns and trends. Event Sampling Focusing on specific events or behaviors, researchers record when and how these events occur Time Sampling Observations are made at specific time intervals, giving insights into the prevalence of behaviors over time. 12 Using technology to capture observations can provide a more detailed and accurate record of behavior. However, it may raise privacy and ethical concerns. Detailed, written descriptions of the observed behaviors, context, and any other relevant information are recorded during or after the observation. Field Notes Video or Audio Recording

13. Examples and Case Studies Provide specific examples and case studies where naturalistic observation has been used effectively to study behaviors or phenomena, illustrating its practical applications.

14. Jane Goodall's Chimp Research Introduction Jane Goodall's is renowned for her groundbreaking research on Chimpanzees in Tanzania's Gombe Stream National Park. She worked for several decades. Her work provided valuable insights into primate behavior, communication and social structure. Her research had an enduring impact on the field of primatology. Naturalistic Observation 14

15. Naturalistic Observation In 1960, Jane went on her journey to observe and in the wild. Study Chimpanzees She had very formal scientific training. She established Gombe Stream Research center and began her research. Background Findings Tool use : She documented chimpanzees tools, such as sticks to using extract termites from mounds, revealing their cognitive abilities. Social structures: Her research revealed the complex social hierarchies behaviors within chimpanzee communities, which showed their. similarities to human societies. Communication: Her work demonstrated that chimpanzees had a rich collection of Vocalizations. and gestures, with distinct me. meanings. Hunting: The documentation revealed Chimpanzee hunting and consuming meat challenge the idea that they were pulley herbivorous. Conservation: Her long-term study on chimpanzees contributed to our understanding of their (long) lifespan and need for their conservation efforts.

16. Significance Her observations on wild chimpanzees introduced ethological methods to study primates. She raised awareness about the plight of chimpanzees. Her research led to increased efforts in chimpanzee's conservation. She inspired countless individuals, especially the women in science, to pursue their passion for primatology and animal behavior research. Naturalistic Observation 16

17. Data Collection Techniques Explain the various techniques and methods used for data collection in naturalistic observation, including the importance of maintaining objectivity.

18. Naturalistic Observation Participant Observation: Researchers become active participants in the group or setting they are observing. They may engage in conversations or activities while taking notes. Structured Observation: Researchers use predetermined checklists or scales to record specific behaviors. This method is particularly useful when you want to collect quantitative data. Non-participant Observation: Observers remain external to the group they are studying. This minimizes the risk of becoming biased or influencing the subjects. Systematic Observation: Researchers define specific behaviors or events they are interested in studying and then systematically record them as they occur. Various method used for data collection in naturalistic observation

19. Naturalistic Observation Reducing Bias: Objectivity is crucial to minimize bias in observations. Researchers should avoid imposing their own beliefs, expectations, or interpretations on the data. Reliability: Objectivity enhances the reliability of the data. Multiple observers can replicate the study, and if they maintain objectivity, they should obtain similar results. Validity: Maintaining objectivity ensures the validity of the observations. Valid data accurately represent the behaviors and interactions being studied. Ethical Considerations: Objectivity helps protect the rights and privacy of the observed individuals. Observers should avoid making judgments or violating ethical standards. Data Analysis: Objectively collected data are easier to analyze. Researchers can use statistical methods to draw meaningful conclusions from the observations. Generalizability: Objectivity in data collection enhances the generalizability of the findings. When observers are objective, the results are more likely to apply to a broader population. Transparency: Objectivity makes the research process more transparent. Note: In naturalistic observation, it's essential to strike a balance between maintaining objectivity and being immersed in the environment to capture genuine behaviors. Clear objectives and a well-defined research plan are key to conducting effective and ethical naturalistic observations while producing valuable insights into human behavior. Importance of Maintaining Objectivity

20. Challenges and Limitations Explore the challenges and limitations associated with naturalistic observation, including issues like observer interference, time-consuming nature, and potential bias

21. Naturalistic Observation Challenges of naturalistic observation: It allows researchers to directly observe individuals in their natural setting. People react differently when they find themselves in a situation that takes them out of their comfort zone. Individuals in laboratory settings may even try to provide the specific results that researchers want – or do the opposite and try to sabotage the project. It gives scientists a first-hand look at social behavior. People will react differently in natural social situations compared to how they respond in settings where they know their interactions are under observation. Social researchers can observe choices in the natural setting that may even let them see things that may never occur in a laboratory setting. These unique observations can then inspire further investigation into specific behaviors. It allows researchers to study ideas that cannot be manipulated otherwise. Naturalistic observation makes it possible for researchers to study concepts that could not be manipulated if they were in a lab setting because of the ethics involved. Take a study on prisoner behaviors as an example of this. It helps to support the external validity of a research effort. When social scientists are observing behavior, the choices made in a laboratory setting do not always translate to a generalization found in the larger population or demographic behind studied. If the initial findings of a lab setting can be seen in a natural setting under similar condition. It allows for multiple methods of data collection. Researchers have a variety of techniques available to them when they need to collect data from naturalistic observation methods. They might write down the number of times they see a specific choice or action during a specific time, make a video recording of the individuals involved, or create an observer narrative which describes the session. Audio recordings are suitable in some situations as well. It creates the potential for more genuine reactions. Social scientists who use the naturalistic observation approach to their research can receive realistic and accurate reactions from the individuals they track when compared to other methods of data collection. This process is even suitable for non-human subjects

22. Naturalistic Observation Limitations of naturalistic observation: It can be challenging to control for outside variables. Perhaps the most significant disadvantage of naturalistic observation is that researchers can sometimes struggle to determine what the exact cause of behaviors or choices is due to the presence of outside variables. It does not always generate accurate data. People will still react differently when they know that they are under observation even though they are in a natural setting. There is an accountability factor that humans have a sensitivity toward when dealing with personal choices, ethics, and morality. It may cause conformity concerns with the collected data. Some people will also attempt to behave in a specific way or offer choices that they believe will conform to what their expectation is for the purpose of the research study. It creates information that can sometimes be subjective. When there are multiple observers of behavior or choice involved in a research product, then each person could draw a different conclusion from the same behaviors that everyone witnessed. It takes more time to complete naturalistic observations. This research methods requires more of a time commitment when compared to the other options available to social scientists. It takes longer for specific choices or behaviors to appear, especially when someone can recall that they are under observation. It cannot account for observer bias. There are no firm conclusions available in the naturalistic observation process because there is no way to account for observational bias. Although this disadvantage applies to almost any research method, this option relies on the direct observation of behavior to collect information.

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