Observation method is a superior data gathering technique. Discuss.

Observation is way of gathering data by watching behavior, events, or noting physical

characteristics in their natural setting. Observations can be overt (everyone knows they are being

observed) or covert (no one knows they are being observed and the observer is concealed). The

benefit of covert observation is that people are more likely to behave naturally if they do not

know they are being observed. Jamshed, S. (2014). However, you will typically need to conduct

overt observations because of ethical problems related to concealing your

observation.Observations can also be either direct or indirect. Direct observation is when you

watch interactions, processes, or behaviors as they occur; for example, observing a teacher

teaching a lesson from a written curriculum to determine whether they are delivering it with

fidelity. Indirect observations are when you watch the results of interactions, processes, or

behaviors; for example, measuring the amount of plate waste left by students in a school

cafeteria to determine whether a new food is acceptable to them. Baker, L. M. (2006). It

however, the prerogative of this write-up to evaluate the assertion that, observation method is a

superior data gathering technique.

One of the advantages of observation technique is that it allows researchers to collect detailed

and nuanced data, often in real-life settings, which can provide a more accurate understanding of

a particular phenomenon or behavior. Patton, M.Q (2015). This detailed data can provide

valuable insights into behaviors, interactions, and patterns that may not be easily captured

through other research methods. By observing subjects in their natural setting without

interference or manipulation, researchers can obtain authentic and unfiltered data. This real-time

data allows researchers to witness behaviors as they naturally occur, providing a deeper

understanding of the subject’s actions and reactions. Moreover, observation allows researchers to
capture non-verbal cues, subtle gestures, facial expressions, and body language that may convey

important information. These nuances are often missed in other forms of data collection such as

surveys or interviews. By paying attention to these details, researchers can gain a more holistic

view of the subject’s behavior and motivations.

Another advantage of the observation technique is its ability to provide contextual

understanding. Observing subjects in their natural environment allows researchers to see how

individuals interact with their surroundings, other people, and various stimuli. This contextual

information is crucial for interpreting behaviors accurately and understanding the factors that

influence them. Saul McLeod (2015). For example, in ethnographic research, observing a

community’s daily activities can reveal cultural norms, social dynamics, and power structures

that shape behavior. This contextual understanding goes beyond mere descriptions of behavior

and delves into the underlying reasons behind actions.

Observation technique also enables researchers to conduct in-depth exploration of phenomena.

Researchers can immerse themselves in the subject’s environment for an extended period,

allowing them to observe patterns over time and uncover hidden relationships. Kawulich, B. B.

(2005). This longitudinal approach provides a comprehensive view of the subject matter and

facilitates the identification of trends or changes that may not be apparent in a single snapshot.

By combining detailed observations with supplementary methods such as interviews or surveys,

researchers can triangulate their findings and enhance the validity of their conclusions. This

multi-method approach strengthens the richness and depth of the data collected through

observation.
Moreover, observation can be unobtrusive, meaning that participants are not aware they are

being observed. This non-reactive approach reduces the risk of reactivity bias, where participants

change their behavior due to their awareness of being observed. The unobtrusive nature of the

observation technique refers to the fact that it does not require participants to actively engage

with the researcher or provide any information about themselves. This is particularly important

when studying sensitive or private behaviors, as it minimizes the risk of participants feeling

uncomfortable or altering their behavior due to the presence of the researcher. For instance,

consider a study aiming to understand the dynamics of a group of individuals in a workplace

setting. By using an unobtrusive observation technique, researchers can observe the interactions,

communication patterns, and decision-making processes without disrupting the natural flow of

the group’s activities. This allows for a more accurate representation of the participants’ behavior

and the context in which it occurs.

The non-reactive aspect of the observation technique implies that the act of observing does not

influence the behavior or responses of the participants being studied. Jamshed, S. (2014). This is

crucial because the goal of social research is often to understand the natural behavior and

interactions of individuals in their environment. If the research method itself affects the behavior

being observed, the results may not accurately reflect the participants’ typical actions or

responses. For example, when studying children’s play behavior in a daycare setting, using an

unobtrusive and non-reactive observation technique ensures that the children’s natural

interactions and social development are not disrupted by the presence of the researcher. This

allows for a more accurate understanding of their typical play patterns and social relationships.
The unobtrusive and non-reactive nature of the observation technique can be combined with

other research methods, such as self-report questionnaires or interviews, to enhance the validity

and reliability of the findings. Grove, S. J. and Fisk, R. P. (1992). This process, known as method

triangulation, combines multiple sources of data to provide a more comprehensive and accurate

understanding of the research topic. For instance, in a study examining the effectiveness of a new

teaching method, researchers can use observation to assess the actual implementation of the

method in the classroom. They can then complement this data with self-report questionnaires

from the teachers and students to gather their perceptions and experiences of the new approach.

By combining these different methods, researchers can obtain a more complete and reliable

picture of the effectiveness of the teaching method.

While the unobtrusive and non-reactive nature of the observation technique offers several

advantages, it is not without limitations and criticisms. One major limitation is the potential for

researchers to misinterpret the observed behavior due to the lack of direct communication with

participants. Additionally, the observation technique may not capture the participants’ subjective

experiences or feelings, which can be crucial in understanding their motivations and intentions.

Furthermore, the non-reactive nature of the observation technique assumes that the presence of

the researcher does not influence the behavior being observed. However, this may not always be

the case, as participants might still feel self-conscious or alter their behavior in response to being

observed. Basil, M. (2011).

As compared to self-report methods, observation reduces the risk of biases stemming from

participants’ memory recall, social desirability, or impression management. Observed data is

more objective and thus has higher validity. Observation techniques are effective in reducing
bias is that they involve direct observation of behaviors, events, or phenomena as they naturally

occur. This direct observation minimizes the chances of subjective interpretation or distortion of

data that can occur with other research methods, such as surveys or interviews. By observing

subjects in real-time and in their natural settings, researchers can capture authentic and unfiltered

data, which helps in reducing bias that may arise from participants’ self-reporting or researchers’

preconceived notions. This objectivity in data collection enhances the credibility and reliability

of the research findings.

Moreover, observation techniques allow researchers to document behaviors or events as they

unfold, without relying on participants’ memory or interpretation. Becker, H. S. and Geer, B.

(1957). This real-time data collection minimizes recall bias and ensures that the information

gathered is accurate and reflective of the actual occurrences.

Validity refers to the extent to which a research study measures what it intends to measure.

Observation techniques contribute to increasing the validity of research findings by providing

direct and concrete evidence of behaviors or phenomena under study. Through direct

observation, researchers can ensure that the data collected is relevant to the research objectives

and accurately represents the subject’s actual behaviors or responses. This alignment between the

research goals and the observed data enhances the internal validity of the study by reducing

errors or inaccuracies that may arise from indirect data collection methods. Furthermore,

observation techniques allow researchers to capture nuances, subtleties, and contextual factors

that may not be easily captured through other research methods. This comprehensive

understanding of the subject matter enhances the external validity of the study by ensuring that

the findings can be generalized to similar contexts or populations.

Observation can be used in various contexts, such as laboratory experiments, naturalistic

settings, or online environments. It is also suitable for studying different types of phenomena,

including human behavior, animal behavior, or environmental changes. Observation allows

researchers to collect data in a variety of settings, ranging from controlled laboratory

environments to naturalistic field settings. This flexibility enables researchers to study

phenomena in their natural context, leading to more ecologically valid findings. For example,

observational studies can be conducted in schools, workplaces, homes, or public spaces,

providing insights into human behavior across diverse situations.

Observation techniques can be applied using various methods such as participant observation,

non-participant observation, structured observation, unstructured observation, covert

observation, and overt observation. Researchers can choose the most appropriate method based

on their research questions and objectives. This adaptability allows for the collection of rich and

detailed data that may not be easily captured through other research methods. One of the key

advantages of observational techniques is the ability to capture real-time data as events unfold.

By directly observing behaviors, interactions, and events as they occur, researchers can avoid

issues related to recall bias or memory distortion that may arise with self-report measures. Real-

time data collection also enables researchers to study dynamic processes and changes over time.

Observation techniques are widely used across various disciplines such as psychology,

sociology, anthropology, education, healthcare, and environmental science. Saul McLeod (2015).

The versatility of observation allows researchers from different fields to adapt and apply

observational methods to suit their specific research needs. This cross-disciplinary applicability

enhances the utility of observational research in generating insights and understanding complex
phenomena. Moreover, observation can be combined with other research methods such as

interviews, surveys, experiments, or physiological measurements to provide a more

comprehensive understanding of the research topic. This integration of multiple methods can

enhance the validity and reliability of findings by triangulating data from different sources.

On the hand, while the observation method offers numerous advantages, it is essential to

consider its limitations which includes its subjectivity.Despite its strengths in reducing certain

biases, observation can still be subjective due to observer bias, perception differences, and

coding schemes. Researchers must address these potential issues through rigorous training and

inter coder reliability checks. In addition, observational studies often require extensive time

investments for data collection and analysis compared to other methods such as surveys or

interviews. This can be particularly challenging in large-scale studies.

Observational studies may involve ethical challenges related to informed consent, privacy, and

deception when participants are not aware they are being observed. Levine, et al (1980).

Researchers must adhere to strict ethical guidelines when employing observational methods. In

summary, while the observation method has its challenges and limitations, it remains a superior

data gathering technique due to its rich and detailed data collection capabilities, unobtrusive

nature, reduced bias, versatility in various contexts, and applicability in studying diverse

phenomena.

In conclusion, while the observation method can be a valuable tool for data collection in certain

situations, it is not inherently superior to other techniques. Its limitations, subjectivity, and

potential for alternative, more effective methods should be taken into account when evaluating

its suitability for a given research context. Researchers must carefully consider the strengths and
weaknesses of various data gathering techniques and choose the most appropriate method based

on their specific research objectives and questions.

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