Essay

Based on the provided context regarding David Rosenhan's 1973 study, describe the research design used and explain how the researchers gained access to the psychiatric wards. Additionally, recall what specific data were collected and how they were analyzed.

Question: Based on the provided context regarding David Rosenhan's 1973 study, describe the research design used and explain how the researchers gained access to the psychiatric wards. Additionally, recall what specific data were collected and how they were analyzed.

Sample answer: Rosenhan used a disguised participant observation design. Rosenhan and the pseudopatients faked psychological symptoms to be admitted to psychiatric hospitals. While admitted, they covertly observed staff behavior. The data collected consisted of the covert notes taken by the pseudopatients and their hospital records. The analysis primarily consisted of a qualitative written description of their experiences inside the hospitals, supported by concrete examples of staff behavior.

Key points:

  • Identifies the design as disguised participant observation.
  • Explains that pseudopatients faked symptoms to gain admission to the hospitals.
  • Specifies that data consisted of notes taken by the pseudopatients and their hospital records.
  • Notes that the analysis was a written qualitative description supported by concrete examples.

Rubric: The response must correctly identify the design as disguised participant observation. It must state that researchers gained admission by faking symptoms. It must identify the data as pseudopatient notes and hospital records, and note that the analysis was a qualitative description illustrated with concrete examples.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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