Question

1. As part of their class requirements, the students in Dr. Taylor’s Research Design and Analysis class are sent over to Trumbull Mall to observe interactions between mothers and their toddler-aged children. They are told not to interact with the moms at all, but just record certain behaviors, like the number of times they speak harshly to their children and the number of times the children whine or cry.

One of the mothers notices that the students are watching people and complains to mall security. The manager of the mall asks the students where they are from, then writes a letter of complaint to Dr. Taylor. Here is an excerpt:

”I am requesting that you do not engage in any more observational research at Trumbull Mall. I don’t think it is right to allow students to observe people’s behavior without getting their permission first. It is a violation of privacy and is wrong even if they don’t realize they are being watched. People come to the mall to shop, not to be watched.”

Reflection Questions:

1. What are some good reasons for the manager’s concerns? Explain.
2. What are some good reasons why the students should be able to do this type of research? Explain.
3. If you were in Dr. Taylor’s position, how would you handle the situation?

Answer 1

a. The good reasons for the manager’s concerns are associated with invasion and violation of privacy to observe people's behaviour without their permission. It is also not right to allow students to observe people’s behavior without getting their permission first.

b. The students should be able to do this type of research because this is a non participant observation. It helps to collect raw data by observing behaviour of people in a natural setting.

c. If I were in Dr. Taylor’s position, I would handle the situation by first sending apology letter to the manager of the Trumbull Mall. After that I would discuss about my research, explain everything and make him convince that we are doing this for the contribution in society. After convincing him I would get a written consent from him and further start my research.