Glossary / Lexicon

Observation means recognizing or noting a fact or occurrence often involving measurement or other objective description.

In psychology, observation is a research method used to collect data about human behavior and mental processes. It involves watching and recording the actions, behaviors, and interactions of individuals or groups in order to understand their behavior and thoughts.

Examples of observation in psychology include:

1. Naturalistic observation - Observing behavior in its natural setting, without attempting to manipulate or control the situation. For example, observing children playing in a park to study their social behaviors.

2. Controlled observation - Observing behavior in a controlled setting, such as a laboratory, where the researcher can manipulate and control certain aspects of the situation. For example, observing a child's behavior in response to different stimuli, such as toys or videos.

3. Participant observation - When the researcher becomes an active participant in the situation being observed. For example, joining a study group or participating in a sport to observe the social dynamics and interactions of the group.

4. Case study observation - A method used to study individual cases in depth, usually for the purpose of understanding a particular condition or phenomenon. For example, observing and interviewing a person with a specific mental disorder to understand their experience and behavior.

5. Ethnographic observation - Observing and studying the behavior and customs of a particular cultural group, usually in its natural setting. For example, observing the daily life of a group of indigenous people to study their cultural practices and beliefs.

Observation is a useful method in psychology because it allows researchers to collect detailed and accurate data about behavior and mental processes in a natural setting, and to understand the complex and nuanced aspects of human behavior. However, observation can also be subject to various biases, such as observer bias and self-fulfilling prophecy, so it is important to use multiple methods and perspectives to validate and interpret the observations made.