Samples Surveys Observations

Research Methodology Overview

Importance of obtaining volunteers for research studies.
Population: A complete set of observations, events, or individuals sharing common characteristics relevant to the research. Examples include plants, animals, and different demographics (e.g., psychology students, children).
Sample: A subset of the population used for research due to practical limitations associated with studying the entire population.

Definition: Every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected.
Note: Most experiments struggle to achieve true random sampling despite its ideal nature.

Definition: Involves subdividing the population into established subsets and ensuring equal representation from each subset.
- Example: Sampling an equal number of males and females to ensure balanced representation.

Definition: Involves randomly selecting entire groups rather than individuals.
- Example: Choosing a whole sports team to represent its members collectively.

Definition: Non-scientific sampling often used for quick data collection.
- Example: Mall questionnaires that may introduce bias due to non-representative samples.

Selection Bias: Flaws in the sampling method leading to over- or under-representation of certain population segments.
Response Bias: Distortions in sample representativeness due to non-responses from selected individuals.
Sampling Error: Variations between population mean and sample mean, which can occur even in unbiased samples.

Purpose: To assess people's attitudes, opinions, characteristics, or perceptions through written or oral formats.

Knowledge Base
- Importance of familiarity with the research subject to create effective surveys.
Drafting Questions
- Consideration of question quantity and relevance.
- Avoid broad topics in a single survey.
Question Formats
- Open-ended Questions: Allow for responses in respondents' own words (e.g., essay or short answer).
- Closed-ended Questions: Present options which respondents select from (e.g., multiple choice, rating scales).
- Partially Open-ended Questions: Combination of closed and open formats, allowing an 'other' write-in option.
Evaluating Questions
- Avoid double-barreled questions (asking two questions at once).
- Prevent negative wording and double negatives for clarity.
- Ensure questions are not biased or leading the respondent.
Pretesting
- Conduct a pilot study to identify potential issues with survey questions before actual data collection.
Finalizing Survey
- Write final draft and distribute with clear instructions.

Statement on perceived instructor biases affecting feedback quality and urging students to consider biases when providing evaluations.

Observational methods involve unobtrusive recording and description of behavior in natural settings, aiming to understand social interactions without pre-formulated hypotheses.

Naturalistic Observations
- Definition: Observing subjects in their natural environments, aiming for detailed documentation.
- Challenges include environmental complexity and observer intrusiveness.
Structured/Controlled/Laboratory Observations
- Definition: Researchers create controlled environments while attempting to simulate natural settings.
- Potential pitfalls include the risk of behavior not reflecting true actions due to artificial conditions.
- Concept of interobserver reliability: Agreement among multiple observers enhances the validity of observations.

Emphasis on consistent operational definitions is crucial for enhancing reliability and validity in observational research.