1. Describe the process of triangulation.

Triangulation is defined as a technique that encompasses using more than one approach to collect data on the same topic. The technique assures the validity of research by using multiple methods to collect data on the same topic (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 2015). By using several research methods, the researcher will have the opportunity to use different types of samples and data collection methods.

2. List a set of research goals and match them with the various forms of observation you think most appropriate. Explain your choice.

The first research goal is to examine whether children responded to brief separation from their mothers. The best match to this observation is controlled observation. With controlled observation, the researcher decides on the location of observation, time and participants involved. Similarly, the researcher uses the standardized procedure.

The second goal is to study the way of life of different tribes found in the South Pacific Islands. The best match to this observation is naturalistic observation. This observation entails studying the behavior of a population in a natural environment. The observer can minimize his or her impact by conducting the observation secretly.

The third goal is to examine the perception of people on a newsworthy event that occurred in town. The best match that to this observation is an interview. The interview entails asking participants about their views or opinion on certain things.

3. What are the advantages associated with the observational method of data collection?

Observational research involves a researcher observing the behavior of the participants; therefore, the method allows one to access respondents in real life situation (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 2015). The researcher will have to process the information collected to make a conclusion of whether the behavior demonstrates the variable under investigation (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 2015). Second, some observations seem easy since they are straightforward. The researcher can ask questions, suggest an intervention and interrupt another group. The method is less demanding in nature; therefore, it requires a low degree of inference.

4. Identify and briefly discuss the four types of behaviors.

Behaviors are categorized into nonverbal, spatial and linguistic behavior. First, nonverbal behavior involves the use of body movements. For instance, one can determine the behavior through facial expression. Second, spatial behavior entails the reaction of a person or group with relations to the immediate surrounding space (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 2015). Third, linguistic behavior relates to the content of a person’s speech and the structural characteristics of speaking. Fourth, extralinguistic behavior entails the formal facets of speech (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 2015). For instance, it includes rate pitch and the tendency of a person to interrupt.

5. Describe the procedure of developing a time-sampling design.

The researcher selects observation units and records the number of times a specific observation was made within a given time (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 2015). The approach represents the ongoing activities the researcher observes. Through the observation, the researcher will determine whether or not a particular activity took place.

6. Discuss the degree of inference required of the observer.

In most cases, observational research requires some degree of inference. When observing certain actions or behaviors, the researcher must process the information collected and infer whether the behavior demonstrates the variable under investigation. Straightforward observations require a low degree of inference (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 2015). For instance, some observations require the researcher to ask questions. The researcher can also suggest a course of action and interrupt another group. However, many observations demand a greater degree of inference.

7. Distinguish between controlled and non-controlled observations.

Differences between these observations are based on the degree of implementing decisions on inferences, behavior, recording and timing. Controlled observation entails well-defined decisions on the units to observe, how and when to observe them (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 2015). The researcher has more control. Therefore, the outcome is more accurate. With non-controlled observation, the approach is less systematic and demonstrates greater flexibility.

8. Distinguish between experimental and mundane realism; give examples of each.

Scientists have had to provide a comprehensive distinction between two senses so that you can call any given experiment a realistic one. The first sense of realism indicates that a realistic experiment is one that the research participants experience a real situation. The experiment must involve and affect the participants. The general term for this type of realism is experimental realism (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 2015). With the second sense, the events occurring in the laboratory settings are likely to take place in a real world situation. This realism is referred to as mundane realism. An outcome of an experiment would not be more meaningful if the measure on mundane realism is high and that of experimental realism is low (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 2015). Conversely, when an experiment is high on experimental realism and low on mundane realism, the results produced will be more meaningful (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 2015).

9. What are the sources of bias in laboratory experiments and how can each be dealt with?

The first source is demand characteristics. It refers to the situation when individuals are aware of their participation in the experiment and try to respond according to the requirements of the experiment (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 2015). Second, the experimenter bias entails a situation when the experimenter makes an unintentional communication about his or her anticipation regarding the action to be elicited to participants. Third, with measurement artifacts, participants receive hints about the experiment from the measurement procedures (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 2015). Moreover, measurement procedures influence the responses of participants.

Understanding research bias is important since it allows the researcher to have a critical and independent review of the scientific literature and avoid treatment that is harmful.

10. How does field experimentation differ from laboratory experimentation?

In a field experiment, the researcher performs the experiment in a natural setting. Conversely, with a laboratory experiment, the researcher uses the laboratory to create a controlled environment. The researcher adjusts the elements according to the plan he or she has set (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 2015). In the field of social sciences, the most controlled method of data collection is the laboratory experimentation.

Reference

Frankfort-Nachmias, C., & Nachmias, D. (2015). Research methods in the social sciences (8^th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers, a Macmillan Education Company.

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