Naturalistic observation is a type of observational research technique that includes perceiving subjects in the natural environment—this qualitative research emphasizes amassing, assessing, and describing non-numerical information. It includes observing a subject’s behavior as it happens in a natural setting, without any attempts of interference by a researcher (Thakur, 2021). For example, a scientist who studies monkeys in their natural setting might use hidden cameras and audio recordings to research monkey behavior without intervention by a human being. In contrast, structured observation refers to a qualitative study approach used by phycologists and other social sciences for many decades (Thakur, 2021). Structured observation involves data collection procedures without the researcher being involved directly with the subjects, and the collection method is controlled in a well-defined and practical mode. It permits the researcher to gather the information that could not be gathered using typical research techniques such as interviews and surveys (Thakur, 2021). A researcher, for example, can observe the interaction between mother and child during food preparation and the behaviors that precede and follow food preparation. Hence, structure observation aids in understanding when and why a mother washes her hands.
A longitudinal design is a developmental research design used to study behavior in the same subjects over time. For instance, a researcher might focus on studying intelligence and aging and determine wherever 25 years old become less intelligent with age over time (Thakur, 2021). Therefore, they provide an intelligence test to persons from when they are 20, 55, and finally when they are 80 years old.
Cross-sectional research is a form of developmental design that involves examining behavior in participants of various ages tested simultaneously (Thakur, 2021). For example, a researcher wants to know how many families with children in New York have low incomes to fund a free lunch program in public schools. Cross-sectional research will give data required about low-income families.
Sequential research designs incorporate features of both longitudinal and cross-sectional research designs. Sequential research is the same as longitudinal designs and includes subjects followed over time; similarly to cross-sectional designs, sequential research comprises subjects of various ages (Thakur, 2021). This research design differs from previous ones in that subjects of various ages are enrolled in a study at various points to examine age-related changes and development within the same people as they age and to account for the possibility of cohort effects.
Several ethical measures should be adhered to when performing research. These ethical measures stress doing well and no harm to the subject (Bos, 2020). Examples of harm to participants could be psychological distress and discomfort, financial status, social disadvantages, or physical harm. Ethical measures call for a researcher to give informed consent from potential research participants and reduce the danger of harm. It is achieved by informing the participant that they are involved in the research, their role, and the purpose of the research. Researchers are asked to safeguard the anonymity and confidentiality of the participants (Bos, 2020). The researcher should all protect the data given by the participant, especially private or sensitive, to avoid any form of distress or harm to the participant. Ethical standards prohibit the usage of deceptive research practices. Furthermore, researchers should provide participants the right to withdraw from the research. Participants should be able to withdraw from the study at any point during the process. When a participant decides to withdraw from the research, they should not be forced to continue.
References
Bos, J. (2020). Research Ethics Step by Step (pp. 227–273). Web.
Thakur, H. (2021). Research Design (p. 175).