Psychology Exam 2 Naturalistic observation
Pearson Correlation Coefficient
indicates the degree of correlation
Naturalistic observation
observing and describing behaviors under conditions in which they normally occur ex. Darwin +Finches Galapagos Island, Jane Goodal, Chimpanzee, Lorenz, ducks imprinting
correlation of determination: r^2
proportion of variants accounted for. indicates the % of variation in 1 variable that can be predicted based on the other variable
Correlation approach
examine relationship btw 2 variables. DO NOT manipulate. correlation DOES NOT imply causation.
illusory correlation
relating two variables when they are not related. CORRELATION DOES NOT IMPLY CAUSATION. ex child forms belief that all teachers are nice, when meets a teacher she will automatically trust that person.
negative correlation
- #'s (-1 being perfect) inverse relationship
Characteristics of Naturalistic Observation
1. Non interference: passive observer, no experimental manipulation. 2. Get a "big picture" of a subject- identify patterns. advantages when little is known about a subject. generate new ideas about possible relationships. 3. Study behavior as it unfolds over a period of time or as it occurs at a given time 4. No info about causality, analysis descriptive, not explanatory, does not tell why something occurs.
positive correlation
+ #'s (1 being perfect). as the value of one variable increases so does the other. 2 variables co- vary same direction
Correlation Designs
describe relationship btw 2 or more things (variables). no experimental manipulation- no causation. spawn testable ideas ex. what is the influence of depression on the amount of food consumed in a meal?
Case Study
detailed account of relevant events of one persons life. can study rare events empirically. External Validity e.g. neutral basis of memory loss ex. Kim Peek "trainman"
To Conceal or not Conceal?
people react different when know they are being observed, behavior changes. extreme external validity (+), low internal validity (-). follow behavior as it unfolds over time (+). Qualitative subject judgements (-) ex. gender differences in carrying objects
