Unit 3: Lesson 4

Research Methods: OBSERVATIONS

Dr. Rajesh Agrawal

Associate Professor
Journalism & Mass Communication
 OBSERVATION METHOD: Meaning
 Observation is the oldest method used in
scientific investigation.
 “Science begins with observation and must
ultimately return to observation for its final
validation” – Goode and Hatt
 “Observation is the process of recognizing
and noting people, objects and
occurrence rather than asking questions.”
 OBSERVATION METHOD: Concept
 The researcher himself seeks the information by
observing his respondents and may or may not
directly interacting with them and without asking
questions.
 The information obtained relates to what is
currently happening.
 The main purpose of observation is to get a
spontaneous picture of life and individuals.
 ADVANTAGES OF OBSERVATION METHOD

 The information obtained relates to what is

currently happening.
 Itcannot be complemented to past or future
behavior of the person.
 Subjectivebias is eliminated if observation is
done accurately.
 Suitable to study those respondents who are
unable to give verbal response.
 DISADVANTAGES OF OBSERVATION METHOD

 It is an expensive method.

 Unforeseen factors may interfere during

observation.
 Observation can be biased if it is not
understood in proper perspectives.
 Inquiries from large sample are difficult to
conduct using observation method.
 TYPES OF OBSERVATION
A. Participant observation
B. Non–participant observation
C. Controlled observation
D. Uncontrolled observation
 A. PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION
 When the observer participates with the activities
of the group under study it is known as Participant
Observation.
 Researcher may not carry all the activities
performed by the group but, his involvement
should be significant in the group.
 Under participant observation the researcher mix
up with the group keeping his real identity
disguised. Thus, the purpose of such study is to
learn folklores, rituals, morals, customs values and
traditions.
 Advantages of Participant observation

 The group can be observed in its natural

behaviour.
 The participant observer is much closer to
audience than the non – participant observer.
 Greater understanding about reasoning is
developed for each and every activity.
 Disadvantages of Participant Observation
 Emotional participation kills objectivity. (S)he begins to feel
as member of the group rather than an impartial and
unbiased observer.
 By mixing with the group the observer sees things more
from his personal point of view than purely scientific
standpoint.
 Due to increasing familiarity the researcher may fails to
observe many activities of the group as (s)he finds them
common.
 The range of experience is narrowed. The observer takes a
particular position within the group with definite circle of
friends. He becomes a part of social hierarchy and loses
contact with the other group.
 B. NON–PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION
 When the observer does not participate with the
group and simply observes them from a distance it is
known as non–participant observation.
 Purely non–participant observation is extremely
difficult. It is difficult to imagine this kind of
relationship in which a person is always present but
never participate. It makes both the participants and
observer uncomfortable.
 S/he is always careful that s/he should not participate
in the activities.
 Advantages of Non-participant Observation

 Objectivity and scientific outlook can be maintained.

 Scope of prejudice is very little.

 People readily open their weakness in front of the

observer as s/he is not known to them and s/he is not
a part of their group.
 Even minute aspects can be observed by the
researcher.
Disadvantages of Non-participant Observation

 Lack of involvement may make him

misinterpret the activities as he sees them in
his own perception.
 The group may not reveal their natural
tendencies as they might feel awkward in
front of a stranger.
 People are suspicious about the critic and
behave unnaturally.
 C. CONTROLLED OBSERVATION
 Observation taken in definite pre-arranged plans
following experimental procedure it is called as
controlled observation.
 Controlled observations afford greater precision and
objectivity and can be repeatedly observed under
identical conditions.
 The main purpose of controlled observation is to
check any bias due to faulty perception, inaccurate
and inadequate data and influence of outside factors
on the particular incident.
 D. UNCONTROLLED OBSERVATION
 When the observation is made in natural surroundings
and the activities are performed in their usual course
without being influenced or guided by any external force
it is known as non–controlled observation.
‘Study of slums’ can be a good example.
 The communication research can hardly provide a chance
for laboratory type of study of human being’s behaviour,
attitudes etc. Therefore, they are observed in natural
surroundings where they actually take place.
 It is not very reliable form of observation. The observer
may be biased as there is no check upon him.
 Significance of observation research method
 The general tendency of human being is to observe things of his interest.
Therefore, it is the simplest method of research.
 A little amount of training and gaining theoretical knowledge of the
phenomena can make observation effective.
 Observation helps the researcher to form hypothesis.
 Continuous observation even if causal and unplanned may reveal certain
sequences and trends. This may form as the basis of new hypothesis.
 The researcher himself observes the phenomena and hence more valid
and reliable data is collected.
 To test the validity the researcher allows other people to observe the
same phenomena and let them come to a common agreement about the
hypothesis made by the researcher.
 Observation is a common method for all sciences. It has universality of
practice in physical and social sciences.