For me, topics in psychology can be done using Observational Method of Research. Observational Research is a type of qualitative research wherein the researcher/s would record his/their observations to explain and describe an event. It has different types, but with this subject, Controlled observation is ideal. Controlled observation is a type of Observational Method wherein, subjects will be observed in a laboratory and their observation will be documented thru a form of scale. Scaling is better than writing essays observation as it is shorter and easier. These scales can be computed and will be translated into statistics which is the main idea of Qualitative Research. Another, scale is the main key to concluded the intensity of the person's problem and psychological findings.
For example, a toddler will be observed how long will it takes for him to feel anxiety if their parents will be leaving them to school. Observations can have the following criteria:
- Separation
- Contact Seeking
- Searching
- Crying
- Tantrums and other violent reactions
These criteria can be presented in a form on intensity scale from 1 to 5. 1 will be the lowest then 5 will be the highest.
One of the advantages of this study is it can be easily executed by members of the research group since they will just follow the scale. It is also easy and faster to conduct, analyze and concluded.
But there are also disadvantages such as if the subject finds out or aware that you are observing them, they might behave differently which might compromise your findings and conclusions.
