Observatio

OBJECTIVES
To

define and enumerate the types of

observation.
To

determine

the

problems

and

the

obstacles to objectivity of observation.

To

enumerate

the

advantages

disadvantages of observation.

and

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

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

observation.

described

accurately

without

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

experimentation.

or

elsewhere

through

Types of
Observati
on

Participant and
nonparticipant
observation

Structured and
unstructured
observation
Controlled and
uncontrolled
observation

Participant
Observation

Nonparticipant
Observation

Takes active part in the activities

of the group

Does not participate in the

activities of the group

Commonly used in field research

Observer is a mere bystander

May require the observer to live

or work in the area under study

Done without the knowledge of

the group

Structured
Observation

Unstructured
Observation

Concentrates on a particular
aspect/s of the variable

There is no list of the items being

observed

Items to be observed are

specified for standard tabulation

Anything relevant to the research

problem is included in the
observation

Usually used in nonparticipant or

controlled observation

Usually used in participant or

uncontrolled observation

Controlled
Observation

Uncontrolled
Observation

Usually used in experimental

studies

Utilized in natural settings

Experimental and nonexperimental variables are

controlled

No control is placed upon any

variable

Usually done in a laboratory

Similar to unstructured
observation 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.

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

contradicts this perspective.

anything

that

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.