OBSERVATION METHOD

Content
• Types of Observation
• Stages of Observation
• Merits and demerits
 Observation Method
• One of the method of Educational Psychology
• Observation means examination of
something, especially for the purpose of
collecting data.
• According to Oxford Dictionary “Observation is
an action or process of closely observing or
monitoring something or someone”
• It is a powerful tool of Psychological enquiry
• Overt behaviour of a person
• Specific, systematic, quantitative and record
immediately.
 Types of Observation
1. Participant Observation
2. Non-participant Observation
3. Controlled Observation
4. Uncontrolled Observation
1. Participant Observation
– Active participation of the observer
– Observer freely mingle with the members of the
group
2. Non-participant Observation
– The observer observes the group under study
without actually participating in its activities.
– Observer will be unbiased
– Observe even minute things
3. Controlled Observation
– Under controlled condition
– The observer may equip an experimental
laboratory with manifold objects
– CCTV
4. Uncontrolled Observation
– Spontaneous observation
– This particular method mainly used for descriptive
research.
– No control over the variable
 Stages of Observation
1. Selection
2. Recording
3. Analysis
4. Interpretation
 Stages of Observation
• Selection: Selecting a particular aspect of
observation.
• Recording: To keep an account about the
observed aspect in writing or some other
permanent form.
• Analysis: Examining the element or structure
of the observed aspects in detail.
• Interpretation: Explaining the aspects of the
observation or providing measurements.
 Merits
• This method can be used with children of all ages
• It doesn’t require any special tool or equipment
• It is adaptable both to the individual and group
• Simple method
• Useful for framing Hypothesis
• An universal method
 Demerits
• There is a great scope for personal prejudices
bias of the observer
• Records may not be written with hundred
percent accuracy
• It reveals overt behaviour only and not that is
within
• Lack of reliability
• Difficult in checking validity