1. OBSERVATION METHOD

2. INTRODUCTION
To study various problems of social psychology social psychologists have developed various methods.
Observation method is one of the method used in social psychology.

3. DEFINITIONS
According to W.J.Goode and P.K.Hall, (1964) “ Science begins with observation and must ultimately return to observation for its final validation.”
According to P.V. Young, (1956) “Observation- a deliberate study through eye may be used as one of the methods for scrutinizing collective behaviour and complex institutions as well as the separate units composing a totality.”

4. ELEMENTS OF SCIENTIFIC OBSERVATION
OBJECTIVITY-It should be applicable to all. It is based on facts available.
PRECISION- In study the data collected should be to the point and should study the problem only.
SYSTEMATIC- - It should be step by step and not haphazard manner.
VARIFIBILITY- Our conclusions or result can be checked.
RELIABILITY- Results should remain almost same over time and space.

5. GENERAL STEPS IN OBSERVATION METHOD
PROPER PLANNING
OBSERVATION OF BEHAVIOR
NOTING DOWN THE BEHAVIOUR
ANALYSIS
DISCUSSIONS AND EXPLANATIONS
GENERALIZATION

6. TYPES OF OBSERVATION METHOD
SIMPLE OR NATURAL OR NON-CONTROLLED METHOD
SYSTEMATIC AND CONTROLLED OBSERVATION
PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION METHOD
NON- PARTICIPNT OBSERVATION METHOD

7. IMPORTANCE OF THE OBSERVATION METHOD
This method is very useful when the observer has to form hypothesis.
The results are reliable, pure and scientific observation. These qualities are there only if controlled observation method is used.
The results which we get with the help of controlled observation method is free from bias, prejudice and interests of the members.
Scientific observation is universal and we can verify the results of controlled observation.

8. CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS METHOD
This method of observation is the easiest one.
In this the social behaviour is studied without any control.
We study the behaviour as it is and that’s why it is known as natural observation method.

9. LIMITATIONS OF THE OBSERVATION METHOD
The result which we get from uncontrolled observation method are less pure, they are not much reliable and valid.
The results which we get with the help of uncontrolled method are biased and defective.
In uncontrolled observation method, it has been seen that if there are more than one observer, these results differ from each other.
When observation is made without pre-planning the results cannot be verified.
We can see the effect of prejudice on the result in participant observation method.

10. In social psychology there are many such problems of which are not sure that when where will they occur. So, it is difficult to apply this method in those conditions.
There are some such problems in psychology which we cannot observe only with the help of eye, then this method is useless. Then experimental method is used.