TECHNIQUES OF DATA COLLECTION

OBSERVATION

Observation is

• The most commonly used method specially relating to behavioural. sciences. though we all observe things around us, this is not a scientific observation

• Observation becomes a scientific tool and the method of data collection when-

• It helps in formulating research

• problem

• Recorded

• Is systematically planned

• Subjected to checks

• Valid and reliable

• Direct

Observation is-

• Oldest method• Starts with curiosity• Full use of senses• Direct study• Maximum use of eyes• Collects primary data• Scientific method• Deep study• Dependable• Establishes relationship between researcher and

respondent

• Study of collective behaviour

• To know about mutual and cause-effect relationship

• Deliberate study

• Helpful in the formulation of hypothesis

• Universal technique

• Practical and empirical study

Kinds of observation technique

• 1 Un-Controlled observation

• Participant observation

• Non- Participant observation

• Quasi-Participant observation

2 Controlled observation

• control over phenomena

• control over observer

• 3 Mass observation

Uncontrolled observationMerits

• Uncontrolled

• Actual

• Unstructured

• More-reliable

• No pre-planning done

• Un-aided

• Simple observation

• Investigator becomes part of it

• First hand method

De-merits of uncontrolled observation

• Un-reliable

• Pre-judiced and biased

• Extra consumption of energy

• Extensive causal relations

• Checking not possible

Types of Un-Controlled observation

• Participant observation

• Non- Participant observation

• Quasi-Participant observation

• Merits of participant observation-• Becomes part of the group• Direct study• Intensive and minute study• Easy study• Actual study\realistic view• Verification possible• Reliability• Wider information can be collected• Mirror of community

De-merits of participant observation

• Full participation impossible• Change in group behaviour• Study in limited area• Subjective study• Time consuming and expensive• Stranger value not possible• Detached study not possible• Not possible in any stratified community

Non- participant observation

• Merits• objective observation possible• Dependable information can be acquired

• Information can be acquired without influence

• Stranger value possible• Less time consuming and expensive• Researcher gets more respect and co-operation• Control over observer• Use of aid and helping material possible

De-merits of non-participant observation-

• Unable to understand the importance of many actions and phenomena’s

• Complete non-participant observation not possible

• Study of artificial behaviour

• In-complete study

• No-cooperation from the respondent

• Intensive study not possible• Narrow vision

• Lack of reliable information

• Researcher doubted•

• Negligence of group members

Merits of controlled observation-

• Can be recreated

• Multi media aids can be used

• Objective study possible

• Less time consuming

De-merits of controlled observation-

• Un-natural study

• Artificially created environment

Quassi participant observation

• It is mixture of participant observation and non-participant observation i.e. direct, indirect or both for example viewer in a park

Mass observation

• It is mixture of both controlled and un-controlled observation.

• Merits-• Inter-disciplinary study• Self control over study• Different aspects covered• Team work• Reliable• Unbiased

De-merits of mass observation

• Expensive

• More observers needed

• More resources needed

• Done at large scale

Importance of observation technique

• Easy and preliminary technique

• Accurate and reliable

• Helpful in the formulation of hypothesis

• Most popular technique

• Facility of verification

• Simplest method

• Results are dependable and convincing

• Objectivity possible

• Empirical study

• No dependency on respondents

Limitations of observation technique

• Bias of the observer

• Artificiality in behaviour

• Limited sphere

• Difficulty in verification

• Difficulty in the study of all kinds of behaviour

• Time and place for study not pre-determined

• Limited validity (only for the specific\ concerned phenomena)

• Interpretation mistaken for observation

• Not possible to observe every phenomena

• Uncertain occurrence of social phenomena

• Not useful for all types of problems

• Difference between controlled and uncontrolled observation

• Difference between participant and non-participant observation

thanks