Dr. Anderson studies how married couples deal with conflicts. She plans to bring couples into her lab and leave them alone while they discuss 3 topics that they commonly disagree about. Dr. Anderson will be filming these discussions and then coding the behaviors of each couple. What research method is being described here?

• A. Naturalistic observation.
• B. Case study.
• C. Laboratory observation.
• D. Experiment.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key components of the research method described: Dr. Anderson is observing couples in a controlled environment (her lab) while they discuss topics of disagreement.
2. Understand the characteristics of different research methods: Naturalistic observation involves observing subjects in their natural environment without interference, while laboratory observation involves observing subjects in a controlled setting.
3. Consider the setting of the study: Since the couples are brought into a lab, this indicates a controlled environment rather than a natural one.
4. Analyze the role of the researcher: Dr. Anderson is filming and coding behaviors, which suggests systematic observation and data collection typical of laboratory observation.
5. Conclude that the research method being described is laboratory observation, as it involves observing behavior in a controlled setting with systematic data collection.