Observation method in sociological research

1. Observation Method In Sociological Research - Yash Vardhan Singh

2. Observation Method Non-experimental design. Absence of independent variable does not allow any cause and effect relationship. Key feature – Standardized plan and systematic approach to objectively observe and record behavior.

3. Aim and objective To ensure that each participant’s behavior is systematically recorded so it is possible to aggregate the behavior of all those in sample.

4. Major Types of Observation Method Participant observation Non-Participant observation Structured observation Non- Structured Naturalistic Observation

5. Naturalistic/Simple Observation It is observation of respondent by researcher in respondent’s natural social settings. Researcher has no influence over behavior of respondent. Behavior of respondent is examined and recorded without consent of him.

6. Advantages: Good for observing specific subjects. Ecologically valid recordings of natural behavior. Spontaneous behavior likely to happen. Disadvantages: Threat to confidentiality

7. Structured Observation Method relatively underused in social research. Systematically and planned observing behavior in a controlled environment. Direct observation of behavior and recording of the behavior and the recording of that behavior in term of categories that have been devised prior to start data collection. Explicitly formulated rules for observation and recording of behavior.

8. Rules inform the observer about what they should look for and how they should record behavior. These rules are articulated in observation schedule.

9. Advantages Observing direct behavior. Allows control of extraneous variable. Reliability of results by repetitive study. Provides a safe environment to study continuous concepts. Disadvantages Control can effect behavior. Observer Bias. Imposing of irrelevant framework. Not possible to know intentions behind behavior. Unable to produce data a whole.

10. Unstructured Observation No use of observation schedule for recording of behavior. Gives narrative account of the behavior. Unplanned and informal. It studies behavior of respondent in the natural social settings.

11. Advantages Broad overview of the situation and conditions prevailing in the society. Useful when subject matter is clear. Disadvantages Appropriate as first step. Not specific approach as it is the narrative description of observation. Problem of generalization.

12. Participant Observation Best known method in social science research. Associated with qualitative research. Prolonged physical immersion of observer in a social setting in which he seeks to observe the behavior of members of that setting. In-depth study of the society and subject. Close interaction and relation between observer and subject.

13. Advantages Insiders view. Researcher becomes an accepted part of the environment. Detailed study of social settings. Identification of real problems and elements that are leading to such problems. Disadvantages Problem of objectivity. Close relation affects study. Time taking process. Unstructured.

14. Non Participating Observation Observer observes but does not participate in what is going on in the social settings. Planned and structured. Observer abstains himself from his physical presence in the social settings. Other sources are used to come to conclusion.

15. Advantages Avoidance of Observer effect. Biased free. Low cost and less time consuming. Disadvantages Reliance on secondary sources which may be inaccurate. No identification of real problem and prevailing social settings. No in-depth study.

16. Observation Schedule Coding scheme. Specifies the categories of the behavior that are to be observed and how behavior should be allocated to these categories. One of the best-known schedules for observation of class rooms is Flanders Interaction Analysis Categories (FIAC) devised by Flanders(1970).

17. FIAC Categories

18. Observational Method vis –a- vis Impact of Rural illiteracy on development Literacy is one of the factors to development. To know the impact of the illiteracy in the rural society it is natural to adopt structured observation. Although non-participation observation is sufficient to arrive at a conclusion. But to know the specific causes of illiteracy and impact on development a certain level of participation is necessary. By observing the living standard, income and health conditions of literates and illiterates.

19. Conclusions Observation method is an important method and tool in social research. It is very important in arriving at new conclusions and findings. In-depth study leads to identifications of real problems.