OBSERVATION

Definition As a means of gathering data for research, observation may defined as perceiving data through the senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell.

Purposes 1.To gather data which are difficult to obtain by other means (like life cycles, social and economic activities, motivations and aspirations and other detailed practices). 2. To verify data obtained by other means. 3. To be able to describe in detail the aspect of a variable being studied. 4. To accurately gather directly first-hand information. 5. To supplement data gathered through experimentation.

Types Participant and Non-participant Observation a. Participant observation - observer takes active part in the activities of the group being observed b. Non-participant observation - observer is a mere bystander observing the group he is studying about

Types 2) Structured and unstructured observation a. Structured observation - concentrates on a particular aspect or aspects of the variable being observed b. Unstructured observation - observer does not hold any list of the items to be observed

Types 3) Controlled and Uncontrolled observation a. Controlled observation - usually utilized in experimental studies in which the experimental as well as the non-experimental variables are controlled by the researcher b. Uncontrolled observation - utilized in natural settings and no control whatsoever is placed upon any variable within the observation area

Advantages first hand information researcher can observe as long and as many times needed technique in collecting information from non-verbal behavior and inanimate objects natural settings: exclude artificiality

Disadvantages lack of control upon extraneous variables smaller size of sample difficult to quantify data for standard tabulation hard to gain entry into the area to be observed lack of anonymity

Characteristics Specific – “not just looking around” Systematic - “not just dropping in” - length of observation periods - interval between - numbers are planned Quantitative – tally of number

Characteristics Recorded immediately – ASAP - not through memory Done by an expert - expert – valid results - non-expert – invalid results Can be checked and verified – by comparing the results of other observers - cannot always guarantee validity of direct observations

Forms of Recording 1. Checklist – contains the items to be observed and a space for number or checkmarks or short verbal entries. a. Checklist with short verbal entries b. Checklist that indicates the presence or absence of an item c. Dichotomous checklist

Forms of Recording a. Checklist with short verbal entries Name of Observed __________________ Date ________ Grade ____ Age ____ Direction: Give a brief description for each item. 1. Type of Activity ______________________________ 2. Interest _____________________________________ 3. Effort ______________________________________ 4. Coordination _________________________________ 5. Other factors _________________________________

Forms of Recording b. Checklist that indicates the presence or absence of an item Name of Observed __________________ Date ________ Grade ____ Age ____ Direction: Give a brief description for each item. 1. Type of Activity ______________________________ 2. Interest _____________________________________ 3. Effort ______________________________________ 4. Coordination _________________________________ 5. Other factors _________________________________

Forms of Recording c. Dichotomous checklist Direction: Place a checkmark in the space under Yes if the item is true and place the checkmark under No if the item is not true. Yes No 1. The type of farming is wet . ______ ______ 2. All needed tools are available. ______ ______ 3. Work animals are carabaos. ______ ______

Forms of Recording 2. Rating Scales - a checklist with an evaluation standard - the number of categories or subdivisions is indeterminate but - the minimum number is two.

Forms of Recording Direction: Choose the statement that describes best the behavior or activity and write the number of the phrase o the space provided at the right of the activity. Never gives up, persistent ...................................... 5 Persists until convinced he cannot make it ............. 4 Gives everything a fair trial .................................... 3 Gives up easily even before a fair trial ................... 2 Never attempts to try …………………………….. 1 Sports ______ Solving a mathematical problem ______ Memorizing a long poem ______

Forms of Recording 3. Anecdotal Forms - a checklist that provides for less breakdown of dimensions or factors and hence, much space is provided for writing. - Minimizes the use of highly subjective impressions in recording.

Forms of Recording Direction: In the space provide, record observations that bear on the individual’s physical development and social development. Do not evaluate, but describe. Avoid vague words such as good, strong, etc. Enter statement of what happened or what you saw. Date each entry. Physical Development: Social Development:

Forms of Recording 4. Mechanical Recording Ex. Motion and still pictures Sound recording An odometer 5. Stenographic Recording – used to record the aspects to be observed as fast as they occur.