Which of the following is true about controlled observations?

Which of the following is true about controlled observations?

• A. They involve some control over variables
• B. They rely entirely on self-report
• C. They require no ethics approval
• D. They cannot be analyzed statistically

Answer: (A)

Controlling variables means the researcher actively manages factors in the situation to see how behavior changes as a result. In a controlled observation, some variables are held constant or manipulated, creating conditions under which observable behavior can be measured more reliably. This is why this statement is true: there is deliberate control over variables to examine effects on behavior, helping to limit confounding influences. Relying entirely on self-report would be inaccurate because controlled observation involves watching and recording behavior rather than asking participants what they think or feel. Ethics approval is usually required to protect participants, especially when recording behavior or manipulating conditions. And data from controlled observations can be quantified and analyzed statistically, so saying they cannot be analyzed statistically isn’t correct.

Controlling variables means the researcher actively manages factors in the situation to see how behavior changes as a result. In a controlled observation, some variables are held constant or manipulated, creating conditions under which observable behavior can be measured more reliably. This is why this statement is true: there is deliberate control over variables to examine effects on behavior, helping to limit confounding influences.

Relying entirely on self-report would be inaccurate because controlled observation involves watching and recording behavior rather than asking participants what they think or feel. Ethics approval is usually required to protect participants, especially when recording behavior or manipulating conditions. And data from controlled observations can be quantified and analyzed statistically, so saying they cannot be analyzed statistically isn’t correct.