Observation Techniques

Observation methods: techniques in which the researcher relies on his or her powers of observation rather than communicating with a person in order to obtain information Types of observation:
Direct versus indirect Disguised versus undisguised Structured versus unstructured Human versus mechanical Contrived observation- hidden shopping, mystery shopping etc.
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Direct versus Indirect Direct observation: observing behavior as it occurs Indirect observation: observing the effects or results of the behavior rather than the behavior itself Archives Physical traces

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Disguised versus Undisguised

Disguised observation: subject is unaware that he or she is being observed Undisguised observation: respondent is aware of observation

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Structured versus Unstructured

Structured observation: researcher identifies beforehand which behaviors are to observed and recorded Unstructured observation: No restriction is placed on what the observer would note: all behavior in the episode under study is monitored

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Human versus Mechanical

Human observation: observer is a person hired by the researcher, or, perhaps the observer is the researcher Mechanical observation: human observer is replaced with some form of static observing device

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Appropriate Conditions for the Use of Observation

Short duration Public Faulty recall conditions

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Advantages of Observational Data

Insight into actual, not reported, behaviors No chance for recall error Better accuracy Less cost

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Limitations of Observational Data

Small number of subjects Subjective interpretations Motivations, attitudes, and other internal conditions are unobserved

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