Listed below are the effects of observation on research. Match the bias of the effect with the research situation described.
Observation Bias:
A. Researcher's own feelings
B. Inadequate research methods
C. Researcher's closeness to subjects
D. Researcher's presence creates "good subjects"
Research Situations:
1. Children in a day care center all behave in a well-mannered way when they realize they are being watched. ANS: D
2. A researcher interviews students in a drop-out prevention class in order to ask questions about effective teaching styles. Ans. B
3. A racially biased researcher observes students in a predominantly black urban school. A
4. A psychologist studies his own children as the basis for his research.
Ans. C
1.a 2.d 3.b 4.c
Disagree with Anonymous, agree with first set of answers.
1. D - Researcher's presence creates "good subjects"
2. B - Inadequate research methods
3. A - Racially biased researcher observes students in a predominantly black urban school
4. C - Researcher's closeness to subjects
To match the bias of the effect with the research situation described, you need to analyze each situation and determine which bias from the list (A, B, C, or D) best fits.
1. Children in a day care center all behave in a well-mannered way when they realize they are being watched.
In this situation, the presence of the researcher creates "good subjects," as the children modify their behavior due to the awareness of being observed. Therefore, the bias of this effect is D.
2. A researcher interviews students in a drop-out prevention class in order to ask questions about effective teaching styles.
This situation suggests that there may be inadequacies in the research methods employed. Therefore, the bias of this effect is B.
3. A racially biased researcher observes students in a predominantly black urban school.
In this situation, the researcher's biased views could affect their observations, leading to a bias related to the researcher's own feelings. Thus, the bias of this effect is A.
4. A psychologist studies his own children as the basis for his research.
The researcher's closeness to the subjects, specifically being their parent, can create a bias in the observation process. Hence, the bias of this effect is C.
So, to summarize:
1. D. Researcher's presence creates "good subjects"
2. B. Inadequate research methods
3. A. Researcher's own feelings
4. C. Researcher's closeness to subjects