10. Under what conditions are observation studies most appropriate? Suggest ?

Question

10. Under what conditions are observation studies most appropriate? Suggest some new uses for observation studies. Be creative.

Answer 1

i totally agree with the previous poster.

here are a few of my thoughts -

in general --

firstly, when data cannot be easily verbalized - in cases where the subject cannot communicate with the researcher -- eg, kids below 4-5 years; people who've lost their memory or communicative abilities or have language disabilities, or are in a coma; and animals.

secondly, when the data to be gathered cannot easily be quantified.

more specifically -

* in clinical studies of little children or people who can't communicate

* in behavior intervention studies of little kids

* sometimes when the subject cannot speak the same language, you may supplement your data with observational findings.

* behavioral studies involving animals

* astronomical studies - where you cannot control, just observe

* psychological experiments/ psychiatric treatments

* behavioral effects of certain drugs

* sleep disorder studies

* effect of certain variables on farm animals or on workers, etc. (eg effect of lighting, music, ...) - whether it enhances productivity, ...

* effect of certain variables on plants

* in case of ALIENS ;-)

hope these help

all the best

Answer 2

This sounds like you have to answer an essay question. I am certain that yr textbook will be able to give some ideas.

On the other hand, define 'observation'. Is it observation o a phenomenon after an intervention? Is it observing a particular behavior after an intervention? Is it observing numerical results that are derived from a survey or other data collection instrument?

I had a student in my college ask me something like that while I was eatiing lunch one day...... told him to Refer to The Fascinating Manual!