Observation method.

Observation method.

Another method of collecting the information is to observe the phenomenon and the method is probably the oldest one used by the scientific investigation. It is now a day a good method of data collection for the researcher, when it serve a formulation research purpose, is symmetrical planned and recorded and is subjected to checks and control on validity and reliability. It is considered as the scientific tool . In this case, we all observe things around us, but this sort of observation is not a scientific observation.

In the case of observation method , the information is sought by the way of investigation’s own direct observation without asking the respondents. For instance, in a study relating to consuming behaviour , the investigator instead of asking the brand of wristwatch used by the respondent may himself look at the watch. Therefore, this method is a scientific tool in the method of data collection.

Limitation.

1. This method is regarded as an expensive method as comparing other.
2. In the case of the observation method, the information provided is very limited.
3. At times, the fact that some people are rarely accessible to direct observation create an obstacle to collect data effectively.
4. Sometimes unforeseen factors may interfere with the observation task.

In this method, the main advantage is that subjective bias is eliminated if the observation is done accurately. The some of the advantage are as follows.

1. Observation method is independent of respondent willingness to respond.
2. In this method, the information obtained is related to what is currently happening and it is not complicated by either the past behaviour or future intentions or attitudes.
3. This method is independent suitable in studies which deal with subjects I,e respondent who are not giving verbal reports of their feelings.

Types of observation.

Depending upon this method they are classified into two main observation. They are as

1. Participatory observation.
2. Non-participatory observation.

1. Participatory observation.

In this method when the observer participates in the activities of the group under the study, it is known as a particular observation.

In particulatory observation method, the observer makes himself a part of the group of the study.

In this method, he/she needs not necessary carry out the activities as carried out by another member of the group.

The following advantage bears in this method which is as follows.

1. In this method, ideas are exchanged which becomes relatively easier.
2. Wider information can be the exchange.
3. They are not conscious of the fact that they are being observed and consequently their behaviour are not influenced by conscious feeling.
4. The group can be observed in its natural behaviour.

He develops the greater appreciation for various activities of the group, for example , a person actually living in a prison and undergoing its hardship can fully realise the feeling and reactions of the prisoners. The people are generally very much willing the significance of various social activities to an outsider who is willing to learn by active participation than to a person who has only an academic interest in them. The observer is in the position to observe the group and its activities from the closer distance.

Th participatory method bears following disadvantages which are as follows.

1. This method required a greater resource.
2. In this method range of experience is narrow.
3. In this method, the emotional participation kills the objectivity.
4. The observer begins to feel as a member of the group rather than an impartial and unbiased observer.

In this method, the observer may fail to oversee or give any importance to activities which he has developed familiarity. A stranger is in the better position to observe things this is because he/she pays attention to minute things as they appear strange to him/her. The range of experience is narrowed and the observer takes a particular position within the group with a definite circle of friends and loses contracts with other. Active participation is not possible in the criminal gang and prisoner’s inmates. He creates a status within the group and begins to see things from his own points.

2. Not participatory observation/Method.

This method is extremely difficult because it is hard for a person to be present but not to participate in the activities. Non-participatory observation is that when the observer does not actually participate in the activities of the group but simply observes them from a distance, then the observation is called as the non-participatory observation.

This method bears following advantages.

1. In this method, the observer remains unattached and impartial without having any prejudices of his/her own.
2. In this method, even minute things would be observed which otherwise would be neglected as a common phenomenon.
3. In this method, objectivity can be maintained.
4. In this method, the scientific outlook can be maintained.
5. The researcher can maintain a detached view of the state of affairs of what/ he/she has observed.
6. In this method due to the strange value of the observer, the people are more ready and willing to disclose even their weakness, which they wouldn’t do if the observer is known to them.

Some of the disadvantages of this methods are as follows.

1. In this method inadequate and incomplete observation is made.
2. The non-participate method fails to find or appreciate the significance of a number of actions and activities.
3. The information taking from this method may be the unnatural attitude of the subject matter.
4. The researcher can observe only those activities that take place before him/her.

Reference.

Kerlinger, F.N. Foundation of Behavioural Research. New Delhi: Surjeet Publication, 2000.

Kothari, C.R. Research Methodology. India: Vishwa Prakashan, 1990.

Singh, M.L. and J.M Singh. Understanding Research Methodology. 1998.

Singh, Mrigendra Lal. Understanding Research Methodology. Nepal: National Book centre, 2013.