- As part of their class requirements, the students in Dr.Taylor’s Research Design and Analysis class are sent over toTrumbull Mall to observe interactions between mothers and theirtoddler-aged children. They are told not to interact with the momsat all, but just record certain behaviors, like the number of timesthey speak harshly to their children and the number of times thechildren whine or cry.
One of the mothers notices that thestudents are watching people and complains to mall security. Themanager of the mall asks the students where they are from, thenwrites a letter of complaint to Dr. Taylor. Here is an excerpt:
â€I am requesting that you do notengage in any more observational research at Trumbull Mall. I don’tthink it is right to allow students to observe people’s behaviorwithout getting their permission first. It is a violation ofprivacy and is wrong even if they don’t realize they are beingwatched. People come to the mall to shop, not to be watched.â€
Reflection Questions:
- What are some good reasons for the manager’s concerns?Explain.
- What are some good reasons why the students should be able todo this type of research? Explain.
- If you were in Dr. Taylor’s position, how would you handle thesituation?
