TECHNIQUES OF DATA COLLECTION OBSERVATION

Observation is The most commonly used method specially relating to behavioural. sciences. though we all observe things around us, this is not a scientific observation

Observation becomes a scientific tool and the method of data collection when- It helps in formulating research problem Recorded

Is systematically planned Subjected to checks Valid and reliable Direct

Observation is- Oldest method Starts with curiosity Full use of senses Direct study Maximum use of eyes Collects primary data Scientific method Deep study Dependable Establishes relationship between researcher and respondent

Study of collective behaviour To know about mutual and cause-effect relationship Deliberate study Helpful in the formulation of hypothesis Universal technique Practical and empirical study

Kinds of observation technique 1 Un-Controlled observation Participant observation Non- Participant observation Quasi-Participant observation

2 Controlled observation control over phenomena control over observer 3 Mass observation

Uncontrolled observation Merits Uncontrolled Actual Unstructured More-reliable No pre-planning done

Un-aided Simple observation Investigator becomes part of it First hand method

De-merits of uncontrolled observation Un-reliable Pre-judiced and biased Extra consumption of energy Extensive causal relations Checking not possible

Types of Un-Controlled observation Participant observation Non- Participant observation Quasi-Participant observation

Merits of participant observation- Becomes part of the group Direct study Intensive and minute study Easy study Actual study\realistic view Verification possible Reliability Wider information can be collected Mirror of community

De-merits of participant observation Full participation impossible Change in group behaviour Study in limited area Subjective study Time consuming and expensive Stranger value not possible Detached study not possible Not possible in any stratified community

Non- participant observation Merits objective observation possible Dependable information can be acquired Information can be acquired without influence Stranger value possible Less time consuming and expensive Researcher gets more respect and co-operation Control over observer Use of aid and helping material possible

De-merits of non-participant observation- Unable to understand the importance of many actions and phenomena’s Complete non-participant observation not possible Study of artificial behaviour In-complete study No-cooperation from the respondent

Intensive study not possible Narrow vision Lack of reliable information Researcher doubted Negligence of group members

Merits of controlled observation- Can be recreated Multi media aids can be used Objective study possible Less time consuming

De-merits of controlled observation- Un-natural study Artificially created environment

Quassi participant observation It is mixture of participant observation and non-participant observation i.e. direct, indirect or both for example viewer in a park

Mass observation It is mixture of both controlled and un-controlled observation. Merits- Inter-disciplinary study Self control over study Different aspects covered Team work Reliable Unbiased

De-merits of mass observation Expensive More observers needed More resources needed Done at large scale

Importance of observation technique Easy and preliminary technique Accurate and reliable Helpful in the formulation of hypothesis Most popular technique Facility of verification

Simplest method Results are dependable and convincing Objectivity possible Empirical study No dependency on respondents

Limitations of observation technique Bias of the observer Artificiality in behaviour Limited sphere Difficulty in verification Difficulty in the study of all kinds of behaviour

Time and place for study not pre- determined Limited validity (only for the specific\ concerned phenomena) Interpretation mistaken for observation

Not possible to observe every phenomena Uncertain occurrence of social phenomena Not useful for all types of problems

Difference between controlled and uncontrolled observation Difference between participant and non- participant observation

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