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Methodological problems in the use of participant observers
1University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|October 1, 1980
Summary
Participant observers can change behavior in those observed ("observee" reactivity) and themselves (observer-mediator reactivity). This reactivity was confirmed in one of four classrooms studied, suggesting potential impacts on research findings.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Educational Research Methodology
Background:
- Reactivity is a known issue in observational studies, where the act of observation can alter behavior.
- Participant observers, who are part of the observed setting, may introduce unique reactivity dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate "observee" reactivity (changes in observed individuals) and observer-mediator reactivity (changes in the observer) during participant observation.
- To examine the relationship between participant observation and behavioral changes in students and teachers within a classroom setting.
Main Methods:
- A multiple baseline design across students and teachers was employed.
- Participant observers (teachers) recorded specific student behaviors, while independent observers recorded student and teacher behaviors simultaneously.
Main Results:
- "Observee" reactivity and observer-mediator reactivity were substantiated in one of the four classrooms.
- The findings indicate that participant observation can indeed influence the behavior of both those observed and the observers.
Conclusions:
- Participant observation can lead to behavioral changes in both the observed (
- observee
- reactivity) and the observers (observer-mediator reactivity).
- These reactivity effects may occur in specific classroom contexts, highlighting the need for careful consideration in observational research design.
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