FEDERATED FACULTY FOR RESEARCH IN RELIGION AND CULTURE

Topic: Observation in Research

Submitted To: Submitted By:

Rev. Dr. Jacob Cherian Rev. Aju Philip Varghese

FFRRC, Kottayam I M. Th. Christian Ministry

The observation method is the most commonly used method specially in studies relating to
behavioural sciences. In a way we all observe things around us, but this sort of observation is
not scientific observation. Observation becomes a scientific tool and the method of data
collection for the researcher, when it serves a formulated research purpose, is systematically
planned and recorded and is subjected to checks and controls on validity and reliability.1 Under
the observation method, the information is sought by way of investigator’s own direct
observation without asking from the respondent. Observational research is defined as the
method of viewing and recording the actions and behaviors of participants. It is described as
being a systematic observation method, which implies that the observation techniques are
sensible and replicable procedures so that the research could be reproduced. As the name
describes, “observational” methods are all about observing the participants. There is no
experiment conducted and no variables are manipulated. The observations are made without
disturbing, influencing or altering the environment or the participants in any way. Researchers
simply use all of their senses to observe participants in either a natural setting or a naturally
occurring situation.2 A researcher should keep in mind while using this method as to what
should be observed, how the observations should be recorded, how the accuracy of the
observation can be ensured.

1
C. R. Kothari, Research Methodology (New Delhi: New Age International (P) Limited, Publishers, 2004),
96.
2
Allan Bryman, Social Research Methods 4th ed (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011), 271.

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1. General characteristics of Observation Method

 It is a physical and mental activity.

 It is selective and purposeful.
 It is a scientific tool of research.
 It is a direct study of the situation or phenomenon.
 It tries to establish cause and effect relationship in the observed phenomenon.3

2. Process of Observation

There are five sequential steps in the observation method.

 Preparation and training.

 Entry in to the study environment.
 Initial interaction.
 Observation and training.
 Termination of field work.

3. Aids in Observation Process

In order to make the process of observation effective and reduce the faults of the observer, a
researcher may use a range of tools for systematising and recording data. Diaries, field notes,
maps, check lists, cameras, audio, video tape recorders, maps ,analogy, checklist, socio metric
scales, mechanical devices are the major tools adopted by the researcher to make the
observation process as accurate as possible.4

4. Types of Observation
Observation, which is the most classical method of scientific enquiry, may take many forms.
With reference to investigators role, it may be classified as:

4.1. Participant observation

In this observation, the observer is a part of the phenomenon or group which is observed and
he acts as both an observer and a participant. The researcher involves himself in the setting and
group life of the research subjects. The persons who are observed group should not be aware
of the researcher’s purpose. Then only their behaviour will be natural. The observer can

3
Ram Ahuja, Research Methods (New Delhi: Rawat Publications, 2002), 241-242.
4
C. R. Kothari, Research Methodology…, 96.

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understand the emotional reactions of the observe group, and get a deeper insight of their
experiences.

4.2. Non -Participant Observation

In this type of observation, the researcher does not actually participate in the activities of the
group to be studied. There is no emotional involvement on the part of the observer. Observer
would be simply present in the group to note down the behaviour of the respondents. This type
of observation is more useful as a tool of data collection because the observer can choose the
situations to be observed and can record the data freely.

4.3. Controlled Observation

This type of observation is found quite useful in either in the laboratory or in the field. This
involves standardization of the fields like psychology and sociology. Controlled observation is
carried out observational techniques and exercise of maximum control over extrinsic and
intrinsic variables.

4.4. Uncontrolled Observation

If the observation takes place in the natural settings, it may be termed as uncontrolled
observation. The main aim of this observation is get spontaneous picture of life. This does not
involve control over any extrinsic or intrinsic variables.

4.5. Direct Observation

In this type of observation, the event or the behaviour of the person is observed as it occurs.
This method is flexible and allows the observer to see and record subtle aspects of events and
behaviour as they occur.

4.6. Indirect Observation

This does not involve the physical presence of the observer, and the recording is done by
mechanical, photographic or electronic devices. This method is less flexible than direct
observation. In other words, the behaviour of the person is not observed, rather its effects are
observed.

4.7. Structured Observation

This type of observation is characterized by a careful definitions of the units to be observed,
the style of recording the observation, standardized conditions of observation and the selection
of the pertinent data of observation.

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4.8. Unstructured Observation
In the absence of the above characteristics, the observation may be defined as unstructured
observation. This type of observation is loosely organised and the process is largely lest to the
observer to define.

5. The Recording of Observation

There are many ways of recording observation. The selection of a method of recording depends
upon the purpose of the observation. Keep in mind the each method has its advantages and
disadvantages.

 Narrative: In this form of recording the researcher records a description of the

interaction in his/her own words. Usually, he/she makes brief notes while observing the
interaction and soon after the observation makes detailed notes in narrative form. In
addition, some researchers may interpret the interaction and draw conclusions from it.
 Scales: Some observers may prefer to develop a scale in order to rate various aspects
of the interaction or phenomenon. The recording is done on a scale developed by the
observer/researcher.

 Templates or observation coding sheets: These forms for recording observation may
make it possible to “code” observations of behaviors in such a way that they can be
assigned a numerical value. This makes both recording and data analysis much easier.

 Recording on mechanical devices: Observation can also be recorded on a video tape

and then analysed. The advantages of taping the interaction is that the observer can see
it a number of times before drawing any conclusions, and can invite other professionals
to view the tape in order to arrive at more objective conclusion.5

6. Advantages of Observation Method.

 It is the most direct means of studying a wide variety of phenomena based on actual
and first-hand experience.
 It enables the observer to code and record behavior at the time of its occurrence.
 The behavior of human beings can be best studied.
 It is the basis for formulating hypothesis.

5
Ram Ahuja, Research Methods…, 255-256.

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  Data collected under this method is more accurate and reliable, as it is based on the
first-hand perception of the eyes.

Disadvantages of Observation Method

 It is an extensive method.
 The information obtained by this method is very limited.
 Sometimes foreseen factors may interfere with the observational task.
 Participants may be aware of the observer and as a result, may alter their behaviour or
response.
 Because of personal biases and lack of training the observer may not record
specifically what he observes.

Conclusion

Observation is one of the effective methods of collecting reliable information about the social
behaviour of man though it has its own limitations. The effectiveness of this method depends
to a great extent on the efficiency of the observer. The observer is a mediator between the actual
situation and the data. Observation becomes an effective tool of scientific study when it is
planned systematically, recorded systematically and selected observers have skills and are
trained.

Bibliography

Ahuja, Ram. Research Methods. New Delhi: Rawat Publications, 2002.

Bryman, Allan. Social Research Methods. 4th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011.

Creswell, John W. Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches.
USA: Sage Publications, 2014.

Kothari, C. R. Research Methodology. New Delhi: New Age International (P) Limited
Publishers, 2004.

Kumar, Ranjit. Research Methodology- a step-by-step guide for beginners. 3rd ed. Los Angeles:
Sage Publications, 2011.