Non-Experimental Methods1
Non-Experimental Methods
Non-experimental methods are research methods that do not involve manipulation of variables or control over the experimental situation.
Variables are simply measured; no independent variables are involved.
Conclusions are limited; researchers can only describe behavior, not explain causation.
Types of Non-Experimental Methods
The following non-experimental methods will be discussed:
Naturalistic observation
Case studies
Archival research
Self-reports (surveys and questionnaires)
Naturalistic Observation
Naturalistic observation involves observing participants in their natural environment without manipulating variables.
The natural environment is often referred to as 'the field.'
Studies conducted in this setting are termed 'field research' or 'field studies.'
Important Concepts
Word of the Day
Field: The natural environment where behavior occurs; essential in distinguishing research settings.
Additional Terms
Empiricism: Reliance on observation and experience.
Parsimonious: Simplest explanation with the least number of assumptions.
Reactivity: Changes in behavior due to the awareness of being observed.
Construct: Psychological representations of behaviors and attributes.
Conducting Research in the Field
Considerations when observing in the field:
Should the researcher be concealed?
Non-concealed researchers may cause reactivity, affecting the validity of observations.
Ethical implications of concealment must also be accounted for.
If not concealed, it’s optimal for subjects to habituate to their presence.
Types of Naturalistic Observation
Global Naturalistic Observation:
Involves comprehensive description of behaviors in natural settings, typically qualitative in nature.
Examples: Observations of tribal behaviors or teacher-student interactions.
Systematic Observation:
Observes specific behaviors in defined settings, more structured and quantitative.
Examples: Timing driver behavior at stop signs or quantifying laughter in controlled settings.
Data Representation in Observations
Global observations are qualitatively described:
E.g., detailed descriptions of interactions.
Systematic observations are quantified:
E.g., numerical timings of behaviors.
Importance of differentiating between qualitative and quantitative data:
Qualitative focuses on descriptive accounts; quantitative reduces behaviors to numerical representations.
Research Stage Influences
Qualitative Research:
Aims to describe behavior without predefined hypotheses; exploratory nature is crucial in early research stages.
E.g., vague expectations when studying unfamiliar cultures.
Quantitative Research:
Seeks to test well-defined hypotheses and expectations; often conducted in later research stages.
E.g., predicting behavior differences between rural and urban settings based on prior studies.
Sample Sizes in Research
In qualitative research, sample size is less critical; focus is on information richness.
In quantitative research, sample sizes are pivotal for statistical accuracy and significance.
Importance of Qualitative Research
Essential for understanding contextual influences on behavior; details of situations provide insights not achievable through quantitative methods.
Ethical Issues in Naturalistic Observation
Ethical considerations when observing without consent:
Participant confidentiality must be maintained.
Research does not involve manipulation, deemed minimal risk per Tri Council ethical guidelines.
Disadvantages of Naturalistic Observation
Subject behavior may change due to awareness of observation.
Lack of control complicates causation: descriptive methods only allow speculation.
Inner states must be inferred unlike direct observation.
Interpretation of data can be challenging.
Advantages of Naturalistic Observation
Enables real-time observation in natural settings.
High external validity when properly executed.
Exploratory nature fosters ideas for further research.