Psych 2301 Observation Project Form The Human Observation Pr

Psyc 2301 Observation Project Formthe Human Observation Project Shou

Psyc 2301 Observation Project Form The Human Observation Project should consist of a minimum of five typed pages. Information should be provided for each section of the Observation Project Form. The project is divided into two sections: the gathering of baseline information and behavior change. Be sure that the project submission adheres to the following formatting requirements: use double-spacing, size 12 font, and set margins to one inch on all sides. Include your name and course title on the first page. Write in complete sentences, use good English grammar, and correct spelling. Avoid personal pronouns and subjective statements; focus on objective, naturalistic observations. Your research should suggest, support, or indicate hypotheses, but not necessarily prove anything. Charts and graphs are part of an "A" paper but do not count towards the basic page count. References to outside sources may enhance your paper and should follow APA style for citations and bibliography.

Key terms to understand for this project include: statement of the problem (describing the behavior and why it needs close observation), theory (a prediction about what will be observed), hypothesis (a testable statement about the behavior), procedure (detailed steps of observation), results (counts and percentages), and discussion (interpretation and application of the findings). The observation should be unobtrusive, with the observer remaining passive to avoid influencing the behavior. You should select a human behavior you encounter daily, define it as a single observable event, and then count its occurrences under normal circumstances.

Examples of behaviors include eye contact, hand washing, door opening for others, dropping or returning money, response times, helpful or polite behaviors, device usage such as cell phones, driving habits, or children's behaviors in a store or classroom. Avoid harmful, offensive, or immoral behaviors or experiments that could endanger or offend others. The focus is on naturalistic observation without interference. Develop a clear theory about the behavior, formulate a hypothesis to test the theory, explain your observation procedure, record the count or measures, and then interpret the findings in a discussion section.

The second part of the project involves behavior modification through an experimental approach. After establishing baseline data, introduce a variable (such as an environmental cue or incentive) to increase or decrease the behavior. For example, using honey to promote handwashing after observing neglect. Record the results again, analyze the effect of the variable, and discuss whether the behavior has changed accordingly. All parts—statement of the problem, theory, hypothesis, procedure, results, discussion—should be documented meticulously, following APA style where applicable.

Paper For Above instruction

The purpose of this observational project in PSYC 2301 is to systematically examine a specific human behavior in a naturalistic setting, measure its baseline occurrence, and then attempt to modify it through an intervention. The project emphasizes objectivity, detailed methodology, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. This process helps students understand the complexities of human behavior and the scientific methods used to study and change it.

Identifying a behavior that is prevalent in daily life, such as the frequency of eye contact in conversations or the rate of door opening for others, provides an accessible entry point for observation. To start, it is essential to clearly define the behavior in observable terms— for instance, "the number of times a person holds eye contact during a conversation." Once clearly defined, the observer must choose a setting where the behavior regularly occurs and remain unobtrusive to obtain naturalistic data. The observation involves counting the occurrences within a set time frame, ideally multiple sessions to ensure reliability.

The theoretical framework underpinning this project may draw from social psychology principles, such as the impact of social norms on courteousness or polite behavior. For example, a theory might propose that individuals are more likely to hold eye contact if explicitly prompted or if they are in a friendly environment. The hypothesis would then predict that increased social prompts or environment modifications will lead to a higher frequency of the behavior.

Following the baseline data collection, the intervention aims to modify the behavior by introducing a variable. For instance, placing visual cues like reminders or cues in the environment can serve as the independent variable. The researcher then observes whether this manipulation causes a statistically significant increase or decrease in the targeted behavior. The procedure must be precisely documented, including details such as the location, time, observer’s position, and whether the observer was visible or concealed.

The results are summarized numerically, presenting counts and percentages, and include visual representations such as bar charts or graphs to illustrate the change pre- and post-intervention. For example, an increase may be demonstrated through a rise in the average number of eye contacts per conversation before and after the intervention.

The discussion of findings interprets whether the data support the initial theory and hypothesis. If the behavior changed as predicted, it suggests that environmental or social cues effectively influence the behavior. Conversely, lack of change might indicate that other factors are at play or that the intervention was insufficient. Limitations of the study, such as observer bias or small sample size, should also be acknowledged. Practical implications include how this knowledge could be applied to promote positive behaviors in real-world settings, such as encouraging politeness or safety behaviors.

In conclusion, this project bridges theoretical understanding with practical application, illustrating how naturalistic observation and behavior modification can enhance understanding of human interaction. The systematic recording of behaviors, adherence to objective observation principles, and careful interpretation of the data foster a scientific approach to studying human conduct.

References

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