Chapter 6: Observing Behavior

In an observational study of the behavior of monkeys in a zoo, you count the number of behaviors that occur within a given time interval. This is the ________ method of quantifying behavior.
1. frequency
2. duration
3. behavioral
4. behavior counting
In an observational study of the behavior of children in a day care center, you record how long a particular behavior, such as a temper tantrum, lasts. This is the ________ method of quantifying behavior.
1. frequency
2. duration
3. latency
4. interval
The simplest way to evaluate interrater reliability is to compute:
1. percent agreement
2. Cohen's Kappa
3. Person r
4. none of the above
Generally, a minimum interrater reliability coefficient of ________ is acceptable.
1. .30
2. .50
3. .70
4. .90
Observer bias occurs when:
1. only one observer is used
2. observers are blind to the purpose of the study
3. observers know the goals of a study or they hypotheses being tested
4. all of the above
You are interested in studying the mating habits of chimpanzees. Consequently, you travel to Africa and observe a group of chimpanzees from afar. The method being used in this example is:
1. participant-observer
2. naturalistic observation
3. field experimentation
4. content analysis
To study the workings of a right-wing political group, you join the group and make observations at the group's regular meetings. This is an example of:
1. participant-observer
2. naturalistic observation
3. a field study
4. a field experiment
Observations that do not alter your participant's behavior are said to be ________ observations.
1. obtrusive
2. blind
3. noninvasive
4. unobtrusive
Which of the following is a disadvantage of being a participant-observer?
1. your presence may alter the behavior of the group
2. Covert participant observation is ethically questionable
3. you cannot adequately manipulate independent variables
4. both a and b
Naturalistic observations and participant-observer studies are both:
1. unethical
2. experimental techniques used with observational research
3. purely descriptive, therefore causal relationships cannot be established
4. suitable for use in the laboratory as well as in the field
In ________, you study existing records.
1. archival research
2. a case history
3. naturalistic observation studies
4. participant-observer studies
Which of the following is a concern you might have if you were planning to do an archival study?
1. how to gain access to the records you need
2. the complexity of the records you are studying
3. how complete the records you are studying will be
4. all of the above
Data in naturalistic observation studies are most likely to be:
1. quantitative
2. qualitative
3. unreliable
4. nonempirical
The use of hidden cameras to record the license plate numbers of student-drivers who speed through the parking lot outside the psychology classroom building results in ________ by the driver.
1. less reactance
2. greater reactance
3. less reliability
4. greater reliability
A two-year account of the progress of a manic-depressive patient who is undergoing psychiatric care is an example of a:
1. field experiment
2. case study
3. systematic observation
4. naturalistic observation

Chapter 6: Observing Behavior

Choose the best answer for each question.