Psychologists Are Like Scientists

PSY206

June 10, 2010

Psychologists are like scientists. They begin by making observations about the world around them, and then they theorize explanations about how it occurred. The researchers then use these theories to develop a hypothesis that they then test with more observations and research. Out of the five different ways they do research the two investigated below are the survey method and the naturalistic observation.

The naturalistic observation is when the researcher observes the subject in its natural habitat, without the subject knowing it is being observed. If the subject realizes it is being observed the researcher either has to find a new subject or get friendly enough with the subject till that time that it feels comfortable and begins to act naturally. (wisegeek.com) the survey method on the other hand is the selection of a small “test” group that knows it is being “observed” by participating in the answering of questions. The survey method relies completely on the participation of its subjects, without their participation, the survey couldn’t exist. (Cherry,K)

Research Techniques

These two methods vary greatly in the way they are done. As stated above the naturalistic observation takes place when the subject doesn’t know it is being observed. This allows the subject to act naturally and not self consciously. Yet the survey method to be successful needs the subject to be fully involved and a willing participant. The survey can take many forms such as telephone calls, written questions, or a face to face interview. The survey method allows the researcher to gather large amounts of data in a short amount of time, whereas the naturalistic observation takes a longer time and concentrates more on an individual for data opposed to the large group. The researcher in the naturalistic method just observes the subject, doing his best not to interact with the subject. On the other hand the success of the survey demands interaction with its...