Observational methods can help us understand how people interact with each other. But these methods also come with some big challenges.
Here are a few of those challenges:
Observer Bias: Sometimes, researchers might accidentally let their own beliefs affect what they see.
Limited Scope: Observing people in just one situation makes it hard to apply those findings to other situations.
Time-Consuming: Watching closely can take a lot of time and resources.
Luckily, there are ways to tackle these challenges:
Using Multiple Observers: Working with other people can help lessen bias and give different viewpoints.
Structured Observations: Having clear rules for what to look for can make observations more consistent.
Recording Technology: Using video can help researchers review interactions later. This allows them to look at what happened without being influenced in the moment.
Observational methods can help us understand how people interact with each other. But these methods also come with some big challenges.
Here are a few of those challenges:
Observer Bias: Sometimes, researchers might accidentally let their own beliefs affect what they see.
Limited Scope: Observing people in just one situation makes it hard to apply those findings to other situations.
Time-Consuming: Watching closely can take a lot of time and resources.
Luckily, there are ways to tackle these challenges:
Using Multiple Observers: Working with other people can help lessen bias and give different viewpoints.
Structured Observations: Having clear rules for what to look for can make observations more consistent.
Recording Technology: Using video can help researchers review interactions later. This allows them to look at what happened without being influenced in the moment.