OBSERVATION SOURCE

01 Programme BA
02 Subject Sociology
03 Semester III
04 University Gulbarga University, Kalaburagi
05 Session 40
 TOPIC: OBSERVATION SOURCE
1. Introduction
2. Meaning of Observation
3. Definitions of Observation
4. Characteristics of Observation
5. Types of Observation
6. Summary
 RECAP
Observation research is a qualitative research
technique where researchers observe participants
ongoing behavior in a natural situation. Depending
on the type of observation research and the goal
of the study, the market researcher will have
varying levels of participation in the study.
 LEARNING OBJECTIVITIES
 Explain the information about observation
source of data
 To understand the purpose of observation
data.
 To understand the features of observation.
 Identify the types of observation.
SESSION OUTCOMES
• Students will be having an idea on how to use
the observation method.
• Students will be more benefited by listening
and understanding the observation source.
• Students will have to improve the observation
system in research field.
INTRODUCTION
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.
Under the observation method, the information is
sought by the way of investigator’s own direct
observation without asking from the respondent. For
instance, in a study relating to consumer behaviour, the
investigator instead of asking the brand of wrist watch
used by the respondent, may himself look at the watch.
MEANING OF OBSERVATION
Observation means seeing things with a
purpose. It is a process of acquiring knowledge
through the use of sense organs. Sensation,
attention and perception are the three stages of
observation.
DEFINITIONS OF OBSERVATION

1. P. V. Young defines – “ Observation may be

defined as systematic viewing, coupled with
consideration of seen phenomena”.
2. Oxford Dictionary defines – “ Accurate
watching, noting of phenomena as they
occur in nature with regard to cause and
effect and mutual relationship.”
CHARACTERISTICS OF OBSERVATION
The important characteristics of the
observation are as follows:
1. It is an Eye Affair
2. Definite aim
3. Planning
4. Noting down of observation
5. Direct method of study
6. Collection of Primary data
7. Direct Cause-Effect Relationship
1. It is an Eye Affair
In observation maximum stress is on eye. The observer will of
course , go to the field with the clear idea as to what he is going
to observe. HE is therefore, expected to see everything very
closely and carefully.

2. Definite Aim.
Observation without Aim will be just useless, purposeless and
meaningless. It is therefore essential that the aim of the
observation should be clearly determined before going to the
field, unless that is clear nothing will be scientifically observed.
3. Planning
Then the observer should go to the field with proper
planning . It means that where necessary he should take
necessary equipments and instruments with him.

4. Noting down of Observation.

Then comes noting down of what has been observed. It is
very difficult to remember everything correctly. Every
human being is liable to forget many things. It is
therefore essential that as soon as observation work is
over, things to be noted down should immediately be
recorded, before one forgets or doubts about the facts
begin to arise.
5. Direct method of Study.
Then another feature of observation method is that it is direct
method of study. It is a method under which the investigator
is personally required to go to the field and also personally
observe the situation and objects with his own eyes.

6. Collection of Primary data.

Observation method is such a method in which only primary
data is to be collected. Each observer observes and collects
data which he feels is relevant to his study. The data collected
is the only source of information of the study and as such in
this method question of secondary source of data does not
arise.
7. Direct Cause-Effect Relationship.
It is a method which can be characterized for its
direct cause-effect relationship. It is because the
observer himself observes the cause of an
object and also its effect on the situation. This
makes the whole study really useful and
purposeful. It also helps in establishing
relationship between equalities and inequalities,
which obviously is very useful in so far as study
of any social problem is concerned.
 TYPES OF OBSERVATION
The technique of observation can be classified into four
types. They may be explained as follows:
1. Direct or indirect observation
Under direct observation, actual behavior, verbal or non
verbal is observed first hand. For instance , to study
student behavior in a particular situation you may just
go and watch them while they are behaving in that
situation. Here you see their actions with your own eyes
and hear their voices with your own ears. This is an
example of direct observation.
2. Participant – Non Participant observation
Under participant observation the investigator us a
regular participant in the activities of the group
being observed. Under non-participant observation
the observer does not participate in group activities
or become a member of the group or community.
3. Overt or Covert Observation
In Overt observation, those being observed are
aware of the investigator’s presence and intention.
In Covert observation the investigator’s presence is
hidden or undisclosed , or his or her intentions are
disguised.
4. Structured or Unstructured Observation
In structured observation the investigator looks
for and systematically records the incidence of
the specific behaviors.
In Unstructured observations, all behaviors are
considered relevant at first and recorded out
later on upon reflection the investigator will
distinguish between the important and the
trivial behaviors.
SUMMARY :
Observation as the name implies, is a way of
collecting data through observing. Observation
data collection method is classified as a
participatory study, because the researcher has
to immerse herself in the setting where her
respondents are, while taking notes and/or
recording.
MCQ’S
Q 1) Observation source means
A. Observation means to ensure the reliability.
B. A systematic data collection approach
C. A study is carried to particular purpose
D. None of the above

Ans. B
MCQ’S
Q 2) What are the characteristics of observation
source
A. It is an a professional qualities
B. It is an a scientific method
C. It is an a eye affair
D. None of the above

Ans. C
MCQ’S
Q 3)Which of the method of to collect the
primary data?
A. Observation method
B. Interview method
C. Questionnaire method
D. None of the above

Ans. A
MCQ’S
Q 4) What is the purpose of observation?
A. Observation is the secondary source
B. Observation are key to good program
C. It is to planning reduce to number of variables
D. None of the above

Ans. B
MCQ’S
Q 5) What is the types of observation sources ?
A. Rating and evaluation system
B. Measurement and evaluation system
C. Direct or Indirect observation
D. None of the above

Ans. C
 REFERENCES
• Social Research Methods And Indian Society Issues And
Problems .-Ramchandra N.Joshi Sri Siddalingeshwara
Prakashana Kalburagi
• Theory And Practice In Social Research -Hansraj Surjeet
Publications
• Research Methods ,Ram Ahuja, Rawat Publication
• Samajashastreeya Samshodhane Vidhanagalu- C.N.Shankarrao,
Jai Bharathpraskashana , Mangalore.
• Research Methodology-Methods and Techniques - C .R .Kothari
& Gaurav Garg , New Age International {P} Limited , Publishers,
New Delhi.
• Research Methodology – Prof. Cuddapah Ramanaiah & Prof.
Panatula Murali Krishna, Studentshelpline Publishing House.
THANK YOU