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Methods of Studying Child Behaviour-Observation Method

The document discusses different methods of observing child behavior, including controlled/systematic observation, naturalistic/uncontrolled observation, participant observation, and non-participant observation. It provides details on each method, such as controlled observation being carried out in a closed space with informed participants, while naturalistic observation occurs in natural settings without manipulating variables. Participant observation involves the researcher joining the group, and non-participant observation keeps the observer separate. Both advantages and limitations are outlined for each observational method.

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Dr. Aarif Hussain Bhat
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370 views9 pages

Methods of Studying Child Behaviour-Observation Method

The document discusses different methods of observing child behavior, including controlled/systematic observation, naturalistic/uncontrolled observation, participant observation, and non-participant observation. It provides details on each method, such as controlled observation being carried out in a closed space with informed participants, while naturalistic observation occurs in natural settings without manipulating variables. Participant observation involves the researcher joining the group, and non-participant observation keeps the observer separate. Both advantages and limitations are outlined for each observational method.

Uploaded by

Dr. Aarif Hussain Bhat
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Govt.

Degree College Kokernag, Anantnag, J&K

Department of Education
PPT Cum Notes Prepared by
Dr. Arif Hussain Bhat
(B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Ed., M.A, M.Phil., Ph.D. NET & SET)

Skill Education (Batch 2020) (ECCE)


Sem 4th Unit-1
Methods of studying child behaviour- Observation Method

Email: [email protected]
Observational Method

Definition 
The observation method is described as a method to observe and
describe the behavior of a subject. As the name suggests, it is a
way of collecting relevant information and data by observing.
In the words of GOOD, “observation deals with the overt
behaviour of persons in appropriate situations”.
Observation has been defined as “Measurement without
Instrument”.
Types of observation method

1) Controlled observations/Systematic
The controlled observation is carried out in a closed space. It is the researcher who
has the authority to decide the place and the time where and when the observation
will take place. He also decides who the participants will be and in what
circumstances will he use the standardized process.
In a controlled observation method, the participants are informed by the researcher
about the aim of the research. This makes them aware of being observed. 
Limitations of controlled observation method 
The controlled observation method lacks validity because when the participants are
aware of being observed their behavior will automatically change
2) Naturalistic Observation/ Uncontrolled Observation
When the observation are carried out in a natural or real life setting. It is called the
naturalistic or uncontrolled observation. In this observation method, the observer
makes no effort to control or manipulate the situation for making an observation. A
researcher observing the behaviour of people on a railway station without any
preplanned principles and procedures is an example of uncontrolled observation.
Limitations of naturalistic observation methods
• The observations through naturalistic observation method are not as reliable as the
researcher wants them to be because it is not possible to control some variables.
This is why other researchers cannot similarly repeat the study or research.
• Establishing the cause and effect relationship is not possible because the
researcher cannot manipulate the variables
3) Participant observations
The participant observation method is often considered a variant of the naturalistic
observation method because it has some similarities with it. The point of difference
is that the researcher is not a distant observer anymore because he has joined the
participants and become a part of their group. He does this to get a more in-depth
and greater insight into their lives.
The researcher interacts with other members of the group freely, participates in their
activities, studies their behavior and acquires a different way of life. Participant
observation can be overt or covert.
• Overt –When the researcher asks permission from a group to mingle the
observation method is known as overt. He does so by revealing his true purpose
and real identity to the group with whom he wants to mingle
• Covert– When the researcher does not show either his true identity or real
meaning to the group he wants to join then the observation is known as covert. He
keeps both concealed and takes on a false role and identity to enter and mingle in
the group. He generally acts as if he is a genuine member of that group
Limitations of Participant Observation methods
• It is challenging to work undercover. For example, the researcher will
have only to observe and not record in front of others because he will not
want to blow his cover. He relies heavily on his memory which can be
faulty at times
• Sometimes the researcher becomes too involved in the intricacies of that
group. There is a higher chance of losing his objectivity because his
reporting will be selective and dependent on his memory
• The emotional participation of the researcher can result in bias
interpretation. He will be influenced to some degree and a time might
come when he would start supporting them unconditionally because their
views and behavior will ultimately become his. This will result in a
personal viewpoint of the scenario and not an objective or scientific report
4. Non-Participant Observation:
The psychologists also use of non-participant observation. In non-
participant observation the observer studies the behaviour by remaining
aloof from the group which is being observed. He observes the events as
an outsider.
Disadvantages:
less detailed data
Merits of Observation Method
 By observing firsthand, the researcher can collect, check and record
accurate data
 The findings of observation method are valid and reliable
 It is simple, easy and economical as it needs no laboratory and costly
apparatus
 It is a very flexible method which is suitable in a number of different
situations
 It is also useful in educational situations which helps in the
supervision teaching
Demerits
It is useful only for observable behaviour. It is impossible to observe
what is happening in the mind of others. It is possible that a person may
be expert at hiding his feelings and emotions.
Subjectivity factors on part of the observer as well as the process of
observation also affect the results of observation
The behaviour observed is dependent on the time and place and on the
individual or group of people involved. It lacks replicability as each
natural situation can occur only once
It is very difficult to get adequately trained observers
It is laborious and time consuming

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