Module 7: Psychological research methods
7.2. Observation and surveys

These methods are the main tools for obtaining information about people's behavior and thoughts, which allows psychologists to understand and explain various aspects of human behavior, motivation, perception, and many other psychological phenomena.

Let's start with observation, which is one of the oldest research methods in psychology. Observation consists of systematic and careful observation of people's behavior and actions under various conditions. This method allows you to get information about the direct actions and reactions of people, as well as their physiological manifestations.

There are several types of observation: natural observation, where a psychologist observes people's behavior in a natural environment, such as in public places; exploratory observation, where observation is conducted in specially designed settings to investigate specific psychological phenomena; and structured observation, where observation occurs using specific guidelines and tools, such as rating scales.

Surveys, in turn, are one of the most common methods of collecting information in psychology. Surveys are a special form of structured interview in which the psychologist presents the respondent with a series of questions about their opinions, assessments, perceptions, beliefs, and behavior.

There are several types of surveys: standardized surveys, which consist of a structured set of questions intended for all respondents; non-standardized surveys, which consist of a looser form of questions that allow the respondent to freely express their opinions and feelings; and group surveys, which are conducted with a group of people at the same time.

Both of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Observation provides direct information about a person's behavior, while surveys provide information about opinions, beliefs, and perceptions. However, the observation may be subject to subjective distortions on the part of the researcher, and surveys may be damaged by errors or incorrect interpretations of the answers.

In conclusion, observation and surveys are important methods for collecting information in psychological research. Both of these methods provide valuable information needed to understand various aspects of human behavior and thinking. However, it is important to keep in mind that these methods should be used with caution and given their possible limitations.