Observation Method

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Observation Method

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.”

Data are collected from two sources

(a) Primary

(b) Secondary

Methods of Data Collection

1. Observation Method2. Questionnaire3. Interview4.Interview Schedule

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

Types of observation based on participation

1.Participant observation2.Non-Participant observation

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

Research Title

Housing Pattern of the Tribal People of Bangladesh

Research Title

“Classroom Management Practice of Secondary Schools of Rural Bangladesh “

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