Observation

OBJECTIVES
To define and enumerate the types of
observation.
To determine the problems and the obstacles to
objectivity of observation.
To enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of
observation.
 OBSERVATION
Perceiving data through the senses: sight, hearing,
taste, touch, and smell.

looking at something without influencing it and

simultaneously recording it for later analysis

Most direct way and the most widely used in

studying behavior.
 Purposes of Observation

1. To enable the researcher to gather empirical data

which are difficult to obtain by other means.

2. To enable researcher to gather sufficient data to

supplement or verify information gathered by other
means.
 Purposes of Observation

3. To enable the researcher to gather information or

data needed to describe the aspect of a variable being
studied which cannot be described accurately without
observation.
 Purposes of Observation

4. To enable the researcher to gather directly primary

data or first-hand 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.
 Types of
Observation
Participant and nonparticipant
observation

Structured and unstructured

observation

Controlled and uncontrolled

observation
 Participant Nonparticipant
Observation Observation
Takes active part in the activities Does not participate in the
of the group activities of the group

Commonly used in field research Observer is a mere bystander

May require the observer to live or Done without the knowledge of

work in the area under study the group
 Structured
Observation
Concentrates on a particular
aspect/s of the variable
Items to be observed are specified
for standard tabulation
Usually used in nonparticipant or
controlled observation
Unstructured
Observation
There is no list of the items being
observed
Anything relevant to the research
problem is included in the
observation
Usually used in participant or
uncontrolled observation
 Controlled Uncontrolled
Observation Observation
Usually used in experimental
Utilized in natural settings
studies

Experimental and non-experimental No control is placed upon any

variables are controlled variable
Similar to unstructured observation
Usually done in a laboratory and is utilized in participant
observation
The Problem of the
Observation
Method
 Observers have feelings, aspirations, fears, biases, and

prejudices. Any of these can influence and distort

that which is being observed.

When an observer infers motive to observed action.

Interference or Interviewer/observer effect

Obstacles to Objectivity
of Observation
Personal Interest

Early Decision

Personal
Characteristics
 Personal Interest

If the study is intended from its inception to

substantiate what you already believe, you will

have difficulty in seeing anything that contradicts

this perspective.
 Early Decision

Human naturally and automatically fill in the

gaps of what we know to be true. By ending

the observation phase prematurely, the researcher

may interpret the data incorrectly.

 Personal Characteristics

We can unknowingly make a faulty inference

because of the subjective influence of one or more

of our personal characteristics.

 ADVANTAGES OF OBSERVATION
DIRECTNESS. Provides direct access to the social
phenomena under observation.

DIVERSITY, FLEXIBILITY, AND APPLICABILITY.

Observation is applicable in wide range of contexts.

PROVISION OF A PERMANENT RECORD. Records of

observations allow further analysis or subsequent
comparisons.
 DISADVANTAGES OF OBSERVATION
PRACTICABILITY. Observation can time consuming and
resource intensive.

OBSERVER BIAS. Subjective bias on the part of the

observer.

OBSERVER EFFECT. Presence of the observer affects the

behavior.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF OBSERVATION
Observation is specific.

Observation is systematic.

Observation is quantitative.

Observation is recorded immediately.

Observation is done by an expert.

Observation results can be checked and verified.