RESEARCH 7

OBSERVATION:
PURPOSES OF OBSERVATION: (Why observation is necessary?)

1. To enable researchers to gather empirical data which are difficult to obtain by other means.
– anthropological studies are to be described in detail.
2. To enable researchers to gather sufficient data to supplement or verify information gathered
by other means. – survey using questionnaire and ocular inspection
3. To enable researcher to gather information or data needed to describe the aspect of a
variable being studied which cannot be described accurately without observation. – clinical
and psychiatric cases where behavior observation is vital
4. To enable the researcher to gather primary data or firsthand information for his study for a
more accurate description and interpretation.
5. To enable the researcher to gather data from the laboratory or elsewhere through
experimentation. – the variables involved are under the rigid control of the experimenter.

OTHER TYPES OF OBSERVATION:

1. PARTICIPANT AND NON-PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION

PARTICIPANT – the observer takes active part in the activities of the group being
observed. (Anthropological cases)
NON-PARTICIPANT – the observer is a mere by-stander observing a group he is
studying about. He does not participate in the activities of the group.

2. STRUCTURED AND UNSTRUCTURED OBSERVATION

STRUCTURED – concentrates on the particular aspects of the variable being
observed be it a thing, behavior, condition, or situation. The items to be observed
are usually specified for standard tabulation. Usually used in non-participant or
controlled observation.
UNSTRUCTURED – the observer does not hold any list of the items to be observed.
Usually used in participant or uncontrolled observation.

3. CONTROLLED AND UNCONTROLLED OBSERVATIONS

CONTROLLED OBSERVATION – usually utilized in experimental studies in which the
experimental and the non-experimental are controlled by the researcher. Usually
done in the laboratory.
EXPERIMENTAL variable – is manipulated by the experimenter to produce an
effect or effects upon the dependent variable
NON-EXPERIMENTAL – are kept on constant or equal in all aspects so that
any change in the dependent variable is attributable only to the independent
variable
UNCONTROLLED OBSERVATION – is usually utilized in natural settings. No control
whatsoever is placed upon any variable within the observation area.
ADVANTAGES OF OBSERVATION:

1. The investigator is able to directly first-hand information about the subject of his study. –
more accurate, valid, and more reliable than any information gathered by other means.
2. The researcher can observe his subjects for as long as he needs the time and as many times
as he can for greater accuracy and validity in description and interpretation.
3. Observation is a superior technique of collecting information from non-verbal behavior and
inanimate objects. The observer is in a good position to discern the significance of an
inanimate object or a non-verbal behavior.
4. The subjects of the inquiry can be observed in their natural settings, and this will exclude
artificially in description and interpretation.

DISADVANTAGES OF OBSERVATION:

1. In observation in natural settings there is a lack of control upon extraneous variables which
may adversely affect the validity of attributing certain causes upon certain effects. (Ex.
Farming)
2. There is a smaller size of sample if the universe covers a very wide idea ad the researcher
cannot afford to observe a substantial area. This makes description and interpretation less
accurate and less valid.
3. It is difficult to quantify data for standard tabulation especially in unstructured observation
and when recording is done in essay form.
4. Sometimes it is hard to gain entry into the area to be observed. This is true if the research
problem is controversial one such as study on prostitution, graft and corruption and the like.
5. Lack of anonymity makes the observed subjects withdraw or kept secret some vital sensitive
and controversial information. (subject may become very secretive)

CHARACTERISTICS OF OBSERVATION FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES:

1. Observation is specific. – carefully defined things to look for

2. Observation is systematic – not a chance “dropping in” on anytime when one happens to
be passing by
3. Observation is quantitative – tally a number of instances of behavior occurred through
Diagram
4. Observation is recorded immediately – promptly as possible not entrusting result to
memory
5. Observation is done by an expert – investigator trained for such work
6. Observation results can be checked and verified – comparing the results of different
observers or by repeating the observation.