Call for Submissions – Special Issue on Methodological Innovations for Advancing Equitable Observations of Human Behavior

Direct and naturalistic observation has a rich history in psychological research as a means of illuminating nuanced facets of social behavior. Gold standard observational methods characterize crucial, and often malleable, components and qualities of social relationships (e.g., caregiver-child, couples, families, and peers) and have demonstrated high predictive utility and sensitivity for characterization of individual differences in relationship processes and detection of change over time.

Observational paradigms are a methodologic bedrock across many fields of psychological study, including developmental, personality, social, couples and family, clinical, educational, and cultural. However, the time and cost involved in observational techniques often prohibit their use in large, population-based, longitudinal studies.

Nevertheless, the richness offered by direct observation has several benefits.

First, observational methods are an excellent tool for reducing bias and increasing equity in psychological science. Recent recognition of the biases in psychological research due to its grounding in a western (WEIRD) view of science is problematic for the field. This points to the imperative for researchers to address such biases authentically and deeply in this next stage of science. Towards this end, direct observation methods have significant added value. However, we must acknowledge that the choice of the coding scheme and the identity of the coder might be sources of bias. As such, we should consider best practices for how to prevent such risk.

Second, observational methods are amenable to tailoring. For example, observational paradigms for direct assessment of social processes and behavior lend themselves well to refinement via human-centered design methods that incorporate diverse perspectives of “end users” into methodologic adaptation. Finally, data gleaned from observational methods often inform interventions and therapeutic practices, and importantly, can be reanalyzed with new codes as knowledge develops.

A key tenet of the proposed special issue is the need for psychology as a field to utilize multiple methods to assess behavior and social interactions, with a specific focus on the benefits of observational techniques. Observational techniques are an excellent tool through which psychologists can utilize innovative scientific methods to reduce bias and increase ecological validity. The proposed special issue is an opportunity to advance an integrative approach that jointly considers pragmatics and methodologic trade-offs in the service of forward-looking psychological science that advances state-of-the-art equitable observational assessment.

• Papers should address the pragmatic (time and cost) barriers to deploying observational paradigms and innovative solutions. Techniques such as one-pass and live coding, remote data collection in the home, and the use of AI may be explored.
• Papers should address observational methods through an equitable, antiracist lens and discuss best practice approaches and novel methods to minimize bias and increase cultural and developmental sensitivity. With the recent proliferation of antiracist frameworks for psychological science, there is a strong need for translation to applied methods such as observational paradigms.

Formats will include review, empirical, and conceptual papers. Manuscripts should address both elements described above, with at least one consideration in depth. Manuscripts are encouraged from early career and underrepresented scholars, and more experienced scholars are encouraged to partner with early career investigators.

Examples of observational techniques that will be considered include, but are not limited to, structured observational interactions (e.g., caregiver-child, couple, peer), individual behavioral tasks (e.g., temperament, behavioral regulation), and ethnographic and qualitative data collection that involves direct or naturalistic observation.

Interested contributors should submit a paper proposal that is no more than one page double-spaced, which includes an abstract of the proposed manuscript. Submitters should clearly state how the manuscript fits with the objectives stated in this call. Paper proposals should be emailed to Amanda Morris and Dima Amso by September 30, 2024.

The editors will provide prospective authors with decisions by December 1, 2024. Invited contributors will then have four months to develop and submit their manuscript (by April 1, 2025). Submitted manuscripts will undergo a peer review process. An invitation to contribute does not guarantee acceptance of the manuscript.

All manuscript submissions should be original and unpublished. Papers should be formatted according to the APA style guide (7th edition). Manuscripts should follow the journal’s instructions to authors with regard to format, manuscript length, Transparency and Openness Promotion guidelines and the Journal Article Reporting Standards for Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed-Methods research and for Race, Ethnicity, and Culture (see submission guidelines at the bottom of the American Psychologist web page) and submitted via the journal submission portal.