observation method
TRANSCRIPT
Presented by- Khan Md. Mainul Hoque
Training SpecialistNational Academy for Educational Management(NAEM)
Ministry of Education
Bangladesh
Observation involves looking and listening very carefully. We all watch other people sometimes, but we don’t usually watch them in order to discover particular information about their behavior. This is what observation in social science.
Definition
One of the method of data collection is observation. Observation is a systematic watching with a view to specific objectives.
According to P.V Young “Observation may be defined as systematic viewing coupled with consideration of the seen phenomena.”
Merits of Observation:
The behavior of human being is exactly observed
The people who cannot speak (Deaf & children)
Few groups are available they don’t wish to disclose their own affairs
Observation is needed for knowing the religious and social function
Demerits of Observation:
Language barrierCultural barrierRisks involvedResearchers are needed to wait for the
incident or behaviorObservation mainly depends on the
duration
Con..
Data collection is difficult for private matters
Peoples opinion thinking, planning cannot be observed.
Observation will be treated as scientific method-when
It will be used with the purpose of a research
It is planned in a systematic wayObserved data will be coded in a
systematic wayObservation might be controlled for
measuring reliability or validity of data
Techniques of Observation:
Taking Note: What observed that should be in written form
Taking photograph: Picture can give more information
Preparing Map: Observed people are living in which area
Schedule: What should be observed that have a specific limit.
Guide to doing observation
Do the observation-Make sure you are properly prepare with
pen, paper and clear idea of what you are
looking for Make sure that you make the notes as the observation is occurring or immediately afterwards-you don’t want to forget what happened
Con..
Look and listen very carefullyRemember not try to influence behavior of
the people you are observing. So be careful how you take notes
Possible answer
Data collection through natural environment
What role people play in different situation that is observed
Actual data can be perceived Through this method it is possible to
collect data on social life
Some subjects what should be careful
1.What the researcher wish to observe2.How does he write the data3.What special measure should be taken
for right observation4. What should be relationship between
the observer and the groups
Participant observation
When the researchers participate for collecting data.
Participant observation is a structured type of research strategy. It is a widely used methodology in many disciplines, particularly, cultural anthropology
Con..
Its aim is to gain a close and intimate familiarity with a given group of individuals (such as a religious, occupational, or sub cultural group, or a particular community) and their practices through an intensive involvement with people in their cultural environment,
Participant ObservationObserver participates actively, for an
extended period of timeMay require observer to live or work in that
areaAssumes that observer will become
accepted member of the group or communityHistorically field research has been
associated most strongly with participant observation.
Non Participant Observation
Observer is an spySomeone who attempts to observe people
without interacting with themWithout their knowledge that they are
being observedUsed most routinely by psychologists
studying children and animals.
Guide to doing observation
If you are doing participant observation you will have to decide whether to
“Remain hidden”-not tell anyone that you are observing them
“Be Open”-Tell people that you are observing them
Class room observation check list
Teachers Name: Class: Subject:School:
Class structure Could improve Acceptable Excellent Nobserved
Review previous days course content
Gives ovrviews of days course Content
Summarize course content covered
Directs students preparation for next class
Comments
Con..
Methods Provide well designed materials Employs non lecture learning activities (small group discussion, student led activities) Invite class discussion Deliver well planned-lecture
Comments
Con..
Solicit student input Involve varieties of students Special attention to the
special need students
Comments
Types of observation based on the field of inquiry
1.Controlled observation2. Non-controlled observationControlled observation : Create an artificial
environment and observe the human behaviour.Peoples behaviour are not controlled but the environment is controlled.
Non controlled observation: Peoples behaviour are observed without creating any artificial environment
Unstructured observation
Actively participate by the researchers. Staying with the observed group or people for a specific period of time. The researchers mix with the group or the people and collect data .
Merits:1.Actual data collection is possibleDemerits1.Time consuming2. Biasness might be occurred.
Early phase of the researchMay become specific to when and where
to observe, what specific aspects of the setting or behavior to observe, and how to make and record observations.
How to do unstructured observation
Take a notebook and penNote down when you see something
interesting.Write down theories as you form them.Don’t jump to conclusions straight away.Look for more evidence.Ask people to confirm things
Structure Observation
Objectives and scope of the research are pre designed. In structure observation the researchers are more conscious about their observation. What should be observed that is predetermined.
Structured Observation
Greater control of samplingMeasurement of errorPermits stronger generalizations and checks
on reliability and validityThis is more like a survey, where every respondent
is asked the same set of questions. But in this case, questions are not asked. Instead, particular types of behavior are looked for and counted