observation methods and techniques

OBSERVATION

By.. Raghav jha(M.B.A / M.Com)

MEANING OF OBSERVATION….

Observation is the systematic process of recording the behavioral patterns of people, objects, and occurrences without questioning or communicating with them.

Observation is useful when…

You want direct informationYou are trying to understand an ongoing

behavior, process, unfolding situation, or event

There is physical evidence, products, or outcomes that can be readily seen

Written or other data collection methods seem inappropriate

CHARACTERISTICS

Physical & mental activitySpecific, selective & purposefulDirect studyCause & effect relationshipSystematic & scientificObsevation is expertCarefully notedSubject to checks & varification

Observation Process (lin naw)

Prepration & training

Entry to study environment

Initial interaction

Observation & recording

Termination of field work

Types of New Observation

Natural vs. contrived

Participant & NPO

Direct & indirect

Overt & covert

Structured & unstructured

NATURAL OBSERVATION

Observation of things as they naturally happen

The observer simply record what they see and hear who selecting some event and ignoring others

CONTRAVED OBSERVATION

An artificial environment is created and the behavior of people is observed in the artificial environment .

• E,g, test kitchen

CONTRAVED OBSERVATION

PARTICIPANT OBS…

Observer participate with the activities of group under study.

Researcher mingle with the group

Non participant observation

Observer does not actually participate, simply observe from distance

OVERT OBSERVATION

Those being observed are aware about investigators presence and intension

COVERT OBSERVATION

Investigator presence is hidden or undisclosed

STRUCTURE & UNSTR…

The observation characterized by– Pre defined definition of unit to be observed– Data to be observed– And standardized condition of observation

UNSTRUCTURESometimes we want to see what is naturally occurring or

exists without predetermined ideas. We use have an open-ended approach to observation and record all that we observe

Structured UnstructuredLooking for Looking atSometimes we have something specific we want to observe – leadership skills; level of participation; etc. We use a structured, preset guide of what to observe or a checklist.

Sometimes we want to see what is naturally occurring or exists without predetermined ideas. We use have an open-ended approach to observation and record all that we observe

DIRECT & INDIRECT

Direct observation—actual behavior are observed

Indirect observation– result and/or physical traces are observed

ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGESAdvantages

– Most direct measure of behavior

– Provides direct information

– Easy to complete, saves time

– Can be used in natural or experimental settings

Disadvantages– May require training– Observer’s presence

may create artificial situation

– Potential for bias– Potential to overlook

meaningful aspects – Potential for

misinterpretation– Difficult to analyze