AN OBSERVATIONAL EMPHASIS IN UNDERGRADUATE PSYCHOLOGY LABORATORIES

This article describes a program that focuses on observational methodo logy. We argue for greater emphasis on systematic observation in teach ing research methodology because of its efficacy in helping students m aster scientific principles and techniques. Observational methods allo w students to establish criterion-based validity of self-reports, appr eciate the dynamic nature of psychological phenomena, and understand t he importance of interobserver reliability. Observational methods and instrumentation also show students how subdisciplines of psychology ca n be integrated. Laboratory exercises illustrating some of these princ iples and concepts are also described.