Observation as a Research Tool
- 1. MIER COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (AUTONOMOUS) Recognized by the Govt. of J&K & Permanently Affiliated to the University of JAMMU Presented By Name : Ashit Toppo B.Ed, Sem.- III Sec: C Topic: Observation as a Research Tool Course Title : Action Research
- 2. Observation as a Research Tool Observation is one of the important and basic methods or techniques or tools for collecting data in almost all types of research studies. (experimental or laboratory research, descriptive research or qualitative research.) Observation as a research tool is used in understanding, measuring, prediction and modification of human behavior.
- 3. Observation as a Research Tool Definition Observation is defined as a planned methodical watching that involves constraints to improve accuracy (Ram Ahuja). Krishna Swami defined observation as a systematic viewing of a specific phenomenon in its proper setting for the specific purposed of gathering data for a particular study. Observation means “to watch attentively in a scientific manner”. In an observational study, the current status of phenomenon is determined not by asking but by observing (Ronald R Powell).
- 4. Objectives of Observation as a Research tool 1. To probe aspects of behavior not accessible to the conventional paper-pencil- test, interview or laboratory technique. 2. To obviate certain of the judgment errors likely to enter into the customary rating procedures 3. To lay emphasis on the need for studying children in natural or social situations in the process of child development. 4. To observe the child rather than relying exclusively on cross-sectional measurements of mental and physical growth 5. To understand the behavior of children with special needs.
- 5. Issues regarding Observation 1. Deciding who is to be studied and in what situations 2. Formal Groups, Informal Groups or Occasional Groups 3. Gaining Access 4. What to Study 5. Frequency and length of time
- 6. Types of Observation Observations may be classified into two types a) Participant Observation: In the process of 'participant observation' the observer becomes more or less one of the group members and may actually participate in some activity or the other of the group. The observer may play any one of the several roles in observation, with varying degrees of participation, as a visitor, an attentive listener, an eager learner, or as a participant observer.
- 7. Types of Observation Participation observation is commonly used in an exploratory studies, at least in the initial stage. Becker (1958) distinguished three stages in the field work: 1. Selection and definition of problems, concepts and indices 2. Checking of the numerous preliminary ideas which are worth pursuing 3. Field work: it consists of attempting to incorporate the individual findings into a model of the system under study Then final systematic analysis, checking the models and rebuilding them if necessary is conducted
- 8. Types of Observation b)Non-participant observation: In the process of 'non-participant observation', the observer takes a position where his/her presence is not felt by the group. He/she may follow closely the behaviour trait of an individual or characteristics of one or more groups. This method is mostly used in observing infants, children and abnormal persons. Validity increases by keeping the setting as natural as possible and not letting the subjects be unduly influenced by the presence of the observer or by his measuring or recording devices.
- 9. Steps of Observation 1.Planning: Mechanisms involved in observation • Identification and defining specific activities or aspects of behavior to be observed. • Realistically consider access/ acceptance to the group/ situation/ activities the observe wishes to observe • Familiarization with the any potential language or cultural issues likely to affect the process • Presentation of self • Decision about the process of observation whether it is participant or non participant.
- 10. Steps of Observation 2. Temporal course of Observation; • Decide approximately how long you think you will be observing and whether the process will be covered or candid • Fix time, date and number of observations to be undertaken. • Identify the conditions of observation, variations in subjects, and variations in apparatus. 3. Strategies for ensuring credibility • Replication of observations to achieve repetitiveness • Designing the study in order to increase the number of observations • Identify statistical techniques to be used.
- 11. Steps of Observation 4. Tools for Recording • Preparation of observation schedule/checklist based on relevant themes which are to be explored. • Identification of apparatus to be used for recording and its limitations. 6. Conducting the Observations • Ease into the observation situation. • Use all you senses, possibly your intuition to gather data • Invest significant time in observations • Set priorities. • Look for saturation before ending the process 5. Seeking Ethics approval • Freedom and dignity of the subjects should be kept in mind.
- 12. Steps of Observation 7. Recordings • Observations need to be recorded in a timely manner • Attempt to record data in a systematic fashion that will ease future analysis. 9. Refining • Making modifications based on your own review of the process ad the quality of data gathered. 8. Reviewing • Review the process and note any difficulties encountered. • Review the observation records and note any difficulties encountered. • Confirm your record by checking with another observer to compare notes.
- 13. Steps of Observation 10. Other Issues • Role of the observer and his participation • Two options : narrow focus or careful observation • Exercises at review the recorded materials. 11. Analyzing the Data • Data management and analysis. • Treatment of data according the nature of research problem. • Using appropriate techniques for the analyzing the data.
- 14. Characteristics of Good Observation • It is carefully planned specifying who is to be studied, what is to be studied and in what situation. • It is based upon the nature of study • Temporal course of observation is planned in advance specifying time, date and venue. • Strategies for ensuring creditability, reliability and validity are chalked out. • Tools of observation are selected carefully and used appropriately.
- 15. Characteristics of Good Observation • Observation is conducted as per objectives, hypotheses and design of the study. • Observation is continuously revised and refined. • Observation should be objective, free from biases and based upon the principle of neutrality. • Observations are carefully and expertly recorded. • Good observation presents the holistic view of the phenomenon.
- 16. Reliability and Validity of Data gathered by Observation It must be systematic It must be directed by specific purpose It must be carefully focused It must be thoroughly recorded. Adequate instruments or tools must be selected to make observation more precise and accurate.
- 17. Reliability of Observation Reliability or trustworthiness is the fundamental criteria of any qualitative research. Reliability is about conversation between researcher and participants, and the situations and emotional compassion that arise during the investigation. • According to Bryman, authenticity criteria contain: • 1. Ontological authenticity (understanding social milieu) • 2. Educative authenticity (appreciating others’ perspectives. • 3. Catalytic authenticity (acting for change) • 4. Tactical authenticity (empowering members for action.)
- 18. Reliability of Observation Points to be kept in Mind- • Sample should be adequate and well defined. • Variables of observation should be objective, specific and properly defined. • Methods of recording appropriate to the situation should be predetermined. • There should be simple and understandable interaction. • The observer should follow the principle of neutrality • Anxiety is a source of distortion and its adequate handling is a major problem in refining the human instrument for gathering reliable data • Manageable time-schedule should be designed. • Impact of the observer should be minimized.
- 19. Validity of Observation • The truly significant incidents of behavior must be identified and sampled. • Seek the help of experts in identifying significant incidents of behavior. • Criterion – related and construct validity may also be necessary. • Contextual content of the observation is validated through internal validity criterion.
- 20. Merits of Observation • It is an appropriate research instrument in qualitative, experimental and descriptive research. • Reliable, valid, objective and scientific • Economical • Flexible and can be used in many situations. • It can be used in individual as well as group situation • It does not require a controlled situation and can be done in natural settings • Emotional and social reactions can be observed easily • Observation in the classroom is made to analyze learning behavior which is more complex phenomenon, to improve classroom performance
- 21. Demerits of Observation • Superfluous and irrelevant information can be gathered due to ignorance of observers. • It may be subjective and the observer may become lenient. • Sometimes persons under observation may exhibit artificial behavior. • Personal problems and experiences can not be observed.. • Physical and mental fatigue also influences the process of observation • Records may not be authentic if other factors are not carefully taken into consideration
- 22. Conclusion • Observation method is one of the most important and authentic method used for data collection. • It is an appropriate research tool in qualitative, experimental and descriptive research. • The observer can opt for either participant or non participant observation. This technique can be used to observe the behavior or attitude of the individual or a group. The observer has to plan carefully and execute the plans to collect accurate information. The observation could be supported with interaction. • This method gives an opportunity to know the insights of the group and naturally, the observer will be able to get the factual data compared to other methods of data collection.
- 23. Thank You