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Observation

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15 views3 pages

Observation

Uploaded by

laurencejaner8
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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What is observation?

Observation is way of gathering data by watching behavior, events, or noting physical


characteristics in their natural setting.

OBSERVATION: PLANNING AND PROCESS


The observer should examine the following questions well in advance to enable to have
effective plan of action. They are:
● What should be observed
● How the observation should be recorded
● What type of tools and techniques need to be used
● How to ensure accuracy of observation and
● What type of relationship should be there between the observers and observed how the
desired relationship should be established?

Observation involves three processes, Namely

● Sensation - Sensation reports facts as observed. Using sense organs (like eyes,ears,
nose\netc.) This process depends upon physical alertness of the observer.
● Attention - Attention or concentration which is deeply related to will-power. Training and
experience enable the observer to form a habit which can go a long way toarchive
concentration required for scientific observation.
● Perception - Perception comes last and is concerned with interpretation of sensory
reports. This enables the mind of the observer to recognize the facts.

Types of Observation Methods

● Structure Observation: - It is often used to provide systematic description or to test


casual hypotheses. It can be applied in field studies and laboratory type settings where
focus being on certain aspects of behaviors. The most important step in structure
observation is the development of observational categories.

● Unstructured Observations: - A researcher does not have a predetermined set of


categories of behaviors. Thus, this technique is relatively flexible and extremely useful in
exploratory research. In this type of observation, the subject to be studied are the type of
behavior, the setting, duration and frequency of the behavior.

● Participant Observation: - Participant observation is the one in which the observer


becomes a part of the group under observation. He shares the situation as an attentive
listener, recording and interpreting the behavior of the group. He gets a feel of the
activities of the group like any member. Participant observation has an important role to
play in case studies.
● Non-participant Observation: - In non-participant observation, the observer takes a
vintage position, from where he can observe in detail the behavior of the subjects, with
least disturbance to group. When the observer is observing in such manner that his
presence may be unknown to the people he is observing, such observation is described
as disguised observation.

● Direct observation: - means that a researcher has a direct view. The observer merely
records what occurs. No attempt is being to control / manipulate the situation.

● Indirect observation: - means indirect view, involving use of a camera, tape-recorder,


or video-camera for recording. Indirect observation is being made where either the
subject is dead or refuses to take part in the study. The observer may observe the
physical traces left behind and make conclusions about the subject.
For Example - the police may visit the site of the
crime and look for traces left by the criminal for further investigation or study.

● Covert observation: - In covert observation, the subjects / group being observed are
not aware that they are being observed. Participant observation could be covert
observation as the observer is a participant in the group and their activities.
● Overt observation: - In overt observation, the subjects are aware that they are being
observed. Once the subjects know that they are being observed, there is every
possibility of change in their behavior. We can take an Example of a police man’s
behavior with the accused/ criminals, while he knows that he is being observed. He will
be polite and may not use abusive language.

Observation: Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages

● It is direct and helps to study the ● This method is not useful to study the
behavior as it appears / occurs past events.
(collected in natural environment). ● It will not help to study the opinions. It
One need not ask anyone about the may be difficult to structure the
behavior but can-do self-watching and situation.
collect the data. ● Another limitation is stability of the
● The data collected in a natural conditions. Observation is difficult
environment or situations is reliable. under unstable conditions.
● The data may be much more ● The collected data may not be
accurate as it is collected out of possible to quantify.
intimate and informal relationship. ● Most difficult could be how to get
● t is one of the best methods which entry in the group being observed,
can be adopted in a situation where i.e., how to become participant?
people are unable to state ● It may not be possible to study or
meaningfully, e.g., studies about the observe everything simultaneously,
children, tribal, animals etc. and the study could be limited.
● It helps to study the whole event and ● The internal attitudes and opinions
therefore, may provide the opportunity are difficult to study
to study the insights or all aspects. ● The sample may have to be limited;
● It is easy to observe in disguising unlike the questionnaire- where in
rather than disguised questioning. number of respondents from different
● It helps to collect when the places is difficult to study.
respondents are unwilling to ● It is a slow, time consuming and
cooperate for giving information. expensive process
● It is expensive but it is also possible ● This method is difficult to apply in
to collect the data on emotional large social settings and there is no
reactions. set procedure for observation.
● It helps to analyses the contextual ● The observer’s ability, consistency,
background also. knowledge, bias and familiarity
influence the data collected.

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