The Importance Of Naturalistic Observation - 1296 Words

There are many different ways of studying developmental science. This concept is mentioned in the text, Exploring Lifespan Development by Laura Berk as, â€Å"a field of study devoted to understanding constancy and change throughout the lifespan† (Berk, 3). One of the most accurate ways of studying different theories and topics within this field can be done by utilizing a research method known as naturalistic observation. Berk describes naturalistic observation as, â€Å"going into the field or natural environment and recording the behavior of interest† (22). This method is considered to be high in validity because it allows the researcher to acquire an in depth observation, understanding, and analysis of their subject without interfering with their†¦show more content†¦In addition, development is also affected by styles of child rearing. The text mentions that the parenting theory developed by Diana Baumrind in 1971 is, â€Å"combinations of parenting behavio rs that occur over a wide range of situations, creating an enduring child-rearing environment† (Berk, 217). There are four parenting styles which include, authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved. Both attachment and parenting styles are essential in the development process because they can influence behaviors that are displayed throughout person’s adulthood. While studying my cousin, his two children (ages 1 and 3), and their grandmother, I found that both children exhibited secure attachment styles. My cousin decided that he wanted to barbeque for his birthday and sat his daughter down in the living room with the rest of the family while he prepared the meat. His son and daughter both ignored everyone in the room as they played with their toys. My cousin realized that he needed to get a few things from the store before he started cooking and decided that it would be faster if he went alone. Both of his children cried as he left and would not allow me or their grandmother to comfort them. As soon as their father came back, they both ran to him and immediately calmed down and stopped crying. Ainsworth identifiesShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Role of Methodology in Developmental Research1467 Words   |  6 Pagesthe fascinating, complex, and often surprising arrays of behaviours children display.’ (Bukatko and Daehler 2004). It can be argued that methodology plays a significant role in developmental psychology. Psychologists argue the importance of methodology in developmental psychology; Bukatko and Daehler (2004), claim that ‘collecting data about children is essential, and a rewarding aspect of scientific developmental psychology, and being well grounded in research techniqueRead MoreKimble s Theory Of Learning Essay1494 Words   |  6 PagesFinally, the experience must be reinforced; that is, only those responses that lead to reinforcement will be learned. The authors of the text advocate for a modified definition of Kimble’s original definition of learning because it still stresses the importance of experience, but leaves it to the theorist to specify the kind of experience they feel are necessary for learning to take place. This modified definition of learning state that learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior or in behavioralRead MoreResearch And Christianity : A Biblical Perspective1478 Words   |  6 Pagesrespect, and discipline to please the Lord in every pursuit. Thus, this case study will reflect on the knowledge that I have gained throughout this course as well as how this knowledge can be supported through a Christian Biblical perspective. The Importance of Behavioral Research My initial thoughts towards behavioral research did not encompass a complete understanding of its significance. Thus, there was a feeling of ambiguity towards its relevance, especially in the scope of everyday life. HoweverRead MoreFactors That Affect The Mental Process964 Words   |  4 Pagesthe research gathered can assure behavioral characteristics are correct and correlate to the study. When conducting research, it is imperative that we manage systematic and careful observations. It is important to know that although research is used to gather information, it may not yield accurate results. Some observations that are collected by researchers may conflict with one another however; this is vital data that is necessary for the process. Different opinions are helpful in order to determineRead MoreObeservational and Sampling in Traditional and Cultural Psychology Research1680 Words   |  7 Pagescompare multicultural and traditional psychology research methods with a view to ex amining observation and sampling as the variables of interest. However, these variables of interest shall be assessed in respect of how they are applied in cultural and traditional psychological research. In addition, the fundamental problems that may be encountered by the researchers during the implementation of the observation and sampling in cultural and traditional psychological research setting shall be addressedRead MoreQualitative Research1369 Words   |  6 PagesQualitative research is a generic term for investigative methodologies described as ethnographic, naturalistic, anthropological, field, or participant observer research. It emphasizes the importance of looking at variables in the natural setting in which they are found. Interaction between variables is important. Detailed data is gathered through open ended questions. The interviewer is an integral part of the investigation (Jacob 1988). This differs from quantitative research which attemptsRead MoreDescriptive Research Article1530 Words   |  7 PagesUsing descriptive research methodologies with the educational setting may be advantageous for several reasons. Educational research and experiences may contain many variables that cannot be realistically controlled, educational research may require observations of life experiences, and data collection may be spread over a large number of people over a large geographic area. Descriptive research may be used most effectively within the educational setting because educational research experiences cannotRead MoreArticle Review1507 Words   |  7 PagesUsing descriptive research methodologies with the educational setting may be advantageous for several reasons. Educational research and experiences may contain many variables that cannot be realistically controlled, educational research may require observations of life experiences, and data collection may be spread over a l arge number of people over a large geographic area. Descriptive research may be used most effectively within the educational setting because educational research experiences cannotRead MoreThis Essay Will Evaluate The Use Of Observation As A Method1388 Words   |  6 PagesThis essay will evaluate the use of observation as a method of study within psychology. Initially, the essay will discuss the two traditional methods of investigation which are experimentation and observation, before undertaking a deeper examination of the observational method itself. It will then consider where the use of the observational method has proven successful, with supporting evidence of research in which it played a key role. In closing, the limitations of the observational method in psychologicalRead MoreChildren Are Our Pillars For Tomorrow Essay1720 Words   |  7 PagesChild Study Project Children are our pillars for tomorrow. It is therefore important to study children at different ages. The main goal of this project is to understand child development by using case study method along with child observations and parent interview. Given the circumstances of long distance, Skype is used to observe the child and conduct the parent interview. Matthew, who was born and raised in Hong Kong, is an outgoing and smart 7th grader. He is a 10-year-old Chinese boy growing