Unit 10 Observation Method: Structure
Unit 10 Observation Method: Structure
Unit 10 Observation Method: Structure
Structure
10.1 Objectives
10.2 Introduction
10.3 Meaning and Definition
10.3.1 Purpose
10.3.2 Characteristics
10.1 OBJECTIVES
After completing this Unit, you will be able to:
understand what is observation method;
how to plan this method for collecting the data;
identify the various types and differentiate them; and
describe advantages and disadvantages of this method.
10.2 INTRODUCTION
Observation means watching carefully. We do see many things, situations in our routine
life. There may not be any motive behind seeing. What we see is mostly casual and
without any purpose. But observation is different from casual seeing; it is being done
systematically with a definite purpose. In the process of observation the observer uses
all his sensory organs in an integrated manner. The observer obtains information about
the World around him for a definite purpose. This is one of the best scientific tools to
collect the data for research. 165
Research Methods Observation has to be done carefully and systematically. On the basis of observation
the data is collected, analysed, processed and used for research purpose. Most important
is the need for impartial observation. The observer’s experience is unique and peculiar
to himself. Naturally, the data collected may be less standardised. Still this is one of the
most useful methods of data collection for research especially in social sciences. Even
in the libraries this method is used to understand the behaviour and attitude of the users
in making use of the library services.
Observation method of collecting the data is one of the oldest and this technique is used
by both the scientists and social scientists. The term observation sounds to be simple
and gives an impression that the collection of data through this method is easy. But it is
not true in scientific investigation. There is also a criticism that this method is unreliable
but by doing it more scientifically, limitations could be overcome. This method of data
collection is one of the oldest method and it can be treated as scientific only when the
criteria such as objectivity, free from bias, reliability and systematisation is followed.
This Unit discusses the meaning and purpose of the observation method of data collection.
It also dwells on how to plan for and the different types of observation. The advantages
and disadvantages are also stated.
The definitions state that watching with a definite plan / systematically a specific situation/
phenomena with a definite purpose of collecting the data helps in recording accurate
data.
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10.3.1 Purpose Observation Method
10.3.2 Characteristics
The characteristics of observation method of data collection are:
It involves both mental and physical activity. The observer may see many things
but attention has to be drawn only on the items useful / relevant for the study.
Observation is made on selective basis i.e. the researcher selects a relevant sample.
Observation takes place in natural surroundings.
It helps the researcher to determine the reality by himself or herself.
It avoids manipulations.
The collection and recording of data is not selective, it is done as it is observed in
natural environment rather than creating an artificial/laboratory environment.
It involves few or no controls on the surroundings.
It could be observation of fewer items/subjects.
It must serve the formulated research purpose.
Williamson… [et al] have suggested four stages for the observer. They are:
Observation must be done under conditions which will enable to collect accurate
results. The distance and light must be satisfactory. Proper mechanical aids should
be chosen. The observation should have sufficient number of samples. If it is possible,
the observation could be repeated through another set of observers for verification or
accuracy.
2) Discuss the points you would keep in mind while planning an observation.
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10.6 TYPES
10.6.1 Participant –Non Participant
The role of the observer / investigator is necessary to be defined. In participant
observation, the investigator becomes a part of the group or phenomenon. Then the
investigator become participant or member of the group and also investigates / observes
the situation. He participates in all the activities and functions of the group and
simultaneously observes the behaviour of the group. The investigator has to play twin
roles such as observer and participant. He introduces himself in a disguised manner. To
enable the group to accept him as a member, the observer has to plan how to enter into
the group and being accepted by the group. The observer involves in the setting /
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group, which is being studied as a research subject. The observer also shares the Observation Method
activities of the community studied and observes what is going on around. It allows
close proximity to the subject studied; therefore it gives an opportunity for intimate
study. The observation is supplemented with the interaction, conversations and interview,
so that more authentic data is collected. By living with the group, the language, habits
etc could be learnt by the researcher, which in turn can be used to converse in the
native language and helps in free flow of the information from the group. However, to
know what the subject is really doing, the observation is the best in comparison to
enquiring the members of the group. Even the data collected from conversation could
be validated through the observation i.e. the statements made by the members could
be checked for its accuracy.
The observer’s motive of collecting the data should not be known to the group. Even
the researcher may find some type of role in the group, but it should be acceptable to
the group. If it is known, the behaviour of the group is likely to be changed or modified
or disturbed and will have impact on collecting the factual data. As a participant, the
observer gets a position in the group and learns the pattern of activity. It could be
possible that the period of observation could be a long term i.e. continued for months.
Therefore, the range of material collected could be good and qualitative but it could
be enormous in quantity. While the data is recorded the context has to be given.
Participant observaation method is better than many other methods of data collection.
This method is used in social sciences to study the society and behaviour of its members.
The type of information collected through this method would not be possible through
other methods.
This type of investigation is made to study the behaviour of the groups such as inmates
of jail, agricultural labor, study of tribal culture and workers in an industry in natural
conditions. Even this method could be used for studying the users of the library, in
terms of their behaviour in searching for information or using catalogue for identification
of their relevant books. In all these cases the participation of the researcher is possible.
Now there are number of research studies on behaviour of the users in accessing
information in the libraries. Unfortunately, no scholar makes use of this method, instead
uses the questionnaire for collecting the data.
Greater degree of participation by the researcher may also result in developing close
relationship with the group. Further, he may learn to follow the behaviour pattern of
the group and may get accustomed to it. In turn, the behaviour of the group may not
look different and the observer may develop sympathy for the group resulting in
emotional attachment with them. This type of activity may destroy the quality of
information / data collected. It may be worth noting that participation becomes more
difficult when one wants to get information from the different strata of the society
which are antagonistic to each other or in direct conflict with each other. Based on the
relationship, it is essential to decide the degree of participation and the type of relation
between the observer and the observed.
This method is being used by sociologists, anthropologists, where in the observer
becomes part of the group and makes the observation. In this method, certain limitations
are also identified. They are:
when the observer becomes part of the group, naturally he gets accustomed to
the behaviour. it may effect on maintaining the objectivity of data.
unforeseen factors might interfere with the observational work.
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Research Methods the ego, anger, prestige of the observed may create impact on the data as well as
create problems to the researcher.
after some time the observer may get accustomed to the behaviour of the group
and may fail to note the important details.
interrelatedness of the investigator to the situation has to be taken into consideration.
He/she might be influenced with the events.
the observer needs to spend longer time and adjust to the situation, which may not
be possible for a long time.
the observation could be subjective. Possibly all the data is not possible to be
recorded.
this method could not be used for study of illegal activities.
complete observation of each and every event may not be possible or may not be
needed.
In non-participant observation, the observer, gets detached with the group and does
not participate or intervene in their activities. Here he observes their behaviour and
there is also a possibility that the behaviour of the subject may become unnatural /gets
changed. In this type of observation, the observer is ever present but never participating.
In this case both feel uncomfortable. Further, there is no standard set of relationships or
role patterns for the non-member observer to follow. There is no emotional involvement
on the part of the observer. The observer may need skill in recording the observations
in an unnoticed manner. As stated earlier, the observer can not be a participant in a
criminal activity, in such situations, this type may be useful. In this method, the facts are
collected in more formal manner. May be as a non-participant observer, it is difficult to
maintain the quality of information. This method could be used in Library Users studies.
Many investigators opt for quasi-participant observation method, where in both the
above methods are used and involves the merits of the both the types and excludes
their defects.
Self Check Exercise
3) Define participant observation. Enumerate the areas in LIS research suitable for
participant observation
Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below.
ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of the Unit.
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10.6.2 Systematic---Non Systematic Observation Method
In Systematic observation, stated procedures are used for observation and recording
the data has to be done following certain rules or logical approach. This data could be
possibly replicated.
Unsystematic observation does not follow any rules or logic and replication becomes
difficult.
10.9 SUMMARY
Observation method is one of the most important and authentic method used for data
collection. The observer uses his sensory organs and observes the behaviour / attitude
of the people 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.
Further, unlike other methods, the observer will be able to also observe the individual
in a specific situation and integrate between what is being said and being done. It
means, the facial and verbal expressions can be put together to understand the subject.
In other methods, the data is collected from the subject and it is not known to what
extent it is being practised.
The observer needs to have necessary skills, and knowledge of the tools, techniques
applied in the observation. Even the investigator needs to have the knowledge of the
subject, and should have an initiation to join into the group without any difficulty. If
necessary, the training should be given to the observer and while choosing the observer,
one has to assess and evaluate the capabilities. The observer also needs to be told
about the period of time and schedules.
Observation method has several types. The types include: participant and non-
participant, structured and unstructured; systematic and nonsystematic etc. Even though
they appear to be different types, there is a close relationship between these categories.
176 The type has to be chosen on the basis of the subject and environment.
Observation Method
10.10 ANSWERS TO SELF CHECK EXERCISES
1) Observation is defined as planned, systematic viewing of a phenomena or event
to record its occurrence in a scientific and unbiased manner. Its purpose is to
collect valid data for inference to analyze and draw inference regarding a situation
to finally propose a theory.
2) While planning an observation, one should keep in mind the following:
What should be observed;
How the observation should be recorded;
What type of tools and techniques need to be used;
How to ensure accuracy of observation; and
What type of relationship should be there between the observers and
observed- how the desired relationship should be established.
3) The role of the observer / investigator is necessary to be defined. In participant
observation, the investigator becomes a part of the group or phenomenon. Then
the investigator become participant or member of the group and also investigates
/ observes the situation. He participates in all the activities and functions of the
group and simultaneously observes the behaviour of the group. The investigator
has to play twin roles such as observer and participant. Areas in LIS research
suitable for participant observation are:
Use of OPAC by users
Information needs and requirements of users
Attitude of users towards use of IT in libraries
Reasons for pilferage and theft in libraries
4) Observation can be structured or unstructured. Structured observation is planned
and carried out accordingly. The conditions are known in advance and under
control. Unstructured observation is not so, as the conditions are not under control.
It is participant observation where the observer is part of the group to be observed.
5) Observation method can be used for research in libraries in the following cases:
Use of catalogue by users in a library;
Information seeking behaviour of users;
Reading habits of school children;
Attitude of users towards the use of IT in libraries; and
Courtesy among the library staff towards users.
10.11 KEYWORDS
Observation : Planned, methodical watching with a view to record
accurate and objective data regarding objects,
events or phenomena
Participant Observation : Observation where the observer is part of the
observants He participates in all the activities of the
group while observing them. 177
Research Methods Structured Observation : It is organised and planned which employs formal
procedure. The units to be observed have to be
carefully defined. The observer is supposed to know
the situation and therefore need to prepare specific
plan for collection and recording the data. It is
subjected to high levels of control and differentiation.
Covert Observation : In this type of observation the participants do not
know that they are being observed
Overt Observation : In this type of observation the participants are aware
that they are being observed
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