Methods of Observational Research

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Observational Method

Observational methods can be classified as follows – 

Ø  Casual and Scientific Observation

Ø  Natural Observation

Ø  Direct and Indirect Observation

Ø  Subjective and Objective Observation

Ø  Participant and Non Participant Observation

Ø  Structured and Unstructured Observation

Ø  Controlled and Un-controlled Observation

Ø  Covert and Overt Observation

 

Subjective and Objective Observation:

All the observations consist of the two main components, the subject and the object. The subject refers to the observer whereas the object refers to the activity or any type of operation that is being observed.

Subjective observation involves the observation of the one’s own immediate experience. For example, the fact that I like oranges is dependent on me, that is, dependent on how I think or feel about oranges. Subjective refers to that which is dependent on a mind or minds. All subjective or interpretations facts are mind dependent.

Objective observation is also called as the retrospection. It is based on the object. Earth having one moon is an objective fact that can be observed. The fact that the earth has one moon is not dependent on what you think. All objective facts exist apart from minds.

Participant and Non Participant Observation:

Participation by the observers with the various types of operations of the group under study refers to the participant type of observation. In participant observation, the degree of the participation is largely affected by the nature of the study and it also depends on the type of the situation and also on its demands. Participant observation allows researchers to observe behaviors and situations that are not usually open to scientific observation. Participant observers may sometimes lose their objectivity or may influence the individuals whose behavior they are recording. 

In the non participant type of observation, no participation of the observer in the activities of the group takes place and also there occurs no relationship between the researcher and the group.  

Undisguised participant observation is often used to understand the culture and behavior of groups of individuals. Disguised participant observation is often used when researchers believe individuals would change their behavior if they knew it was being recorded.

Structured and Unstructured Observation:

Structured observation works according to a plan and involves specific information of the units that are to be observed and also about the information that is to be recorded. The operations that are to be observed and the various features that are to be noted or recorded are decided well in advance. Such observations involve the use of especial instruments for the purpose of data collection that are also structured in nature.

In the case of the unstructured observation, observer has the freedom to note down what she/he feels is correct and relevant to the point of study. This approach of observation is very suitable in the case of exploratory research. 

 Structured observations are set up to record behaviors that may be difficult to observe using naturalistic observation. Clinical and developmental psychologists often use structured observations. Problems in interpreting structured observations can occur when the same observation procedures are not followed across observations or observers, or when important variables are not controlled.

 Controlled and Un-controlled Observation:

Controlled observations are the observations made under the influence of some of the external forces. Such observations rarely lead to improvement in the precision of the research results. But these observations can be very effective in the working if done in coordination with mechanical synchronizing devices, film recording etc.

Un-controlled observations are made in the natural environment and have no influence or guidance of any type of external force.

Covert and Overt Observation

 Covert observations are when the researcher pretends to be an ordinary member of the group and observes in secret. There could be ethical problems or deception and consent with this particular method of observation.

Overt observations are when the researcher tells the group s/he is conducting research (i.e. they know they are being observed).

 

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