observation method of data collection is most used type for data collection

Reserach method data collection

1. OBSERVATION METHOD Smita Jadhav Research Scholar, KIMS KUD Provisional Registration Number : Mang /2021-22/125.

2. Observation Observation involves looking and listening very carefully. We all watch other people sometimes, but we don’t usually watch them in order to discover particular information about their behavior. This is what observation in social science.

3. Definition One of the method of data collection is observation. Observation is a systematic watching with a view to specific objectives.  According to P.V Young “Observation may be defined as systematic viewing coupled with consideration of the seen phenomena.”

4. Why to observe ?  Observation allows the researcher to study people in their 'natural setting' without their behavior being influenced by the presence of a researcher.  Observational data usually consists of detailed information about particular groups or situations. This kind of data can 'fill out' and provide a deeper, richer, understanding than survey work which tends to produce less detailed information about a larger number of people.  Some methods only allow for the study of one individual at a time. Observation enables the research to study groups of people together, that is, it allows for the study of interaction between the members of a group.

5. Characteristics of Observation It is systematic.  It is specific.   It is objective.   It is quantitative.   The record of observation should be made immediately.  Observation is  Verifiable .

6. Types of observation 1. Participant observation: Here the observer actually becomes an active participant establishing rapport with the individual, whose behaviour is to be observed

7. 2. Non-participant observation: The observer observe's specific behavioural characteristics of the children in their natural conditions where the person being observed is not aware of the observer's presence

8. 3. Structured observation: The observer observer's a particular structure of behaviour which is fixed before the actual process of observation in context to the time, place and behavioural characteristics.

9. 4. Unstructured observation: The time, place and behaviour to be observed are not fixed in advance. Children's behaviour , feelings, actions and reactions are observed in free, natural and real life situations. Eg , Home, playground etc.

10. Advantages of Observation Method The behavior of human being is exactly observed Data are collected directly  Substantial amount of data can be collected in a relatively short time span. Provides pre-recorded data and ready for analysis.   In the observation reliability is high.

11. Disadvantages of Observation: It’s a process cannot be done in one day. It takes days and sometime years. Observation on many things, not just focusing on one Through observation particular problem cannot be analyzed We cannot get the complete answer through observation alone.

12. Purposes of Observation 1 . To enable the researcher to gather empirical data which are difficult to obtain by other means . 2. To enable the researcher to gather sufficient data to supplement or verify information gathered by other means . 3. To enable the researcher to gather information or data needed to describe the aspect of a variable being studied which cannot described accurately without 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.

13. Steps of observation method 1. Planning for observation → selection of target group → aspects and behaviour to be observed → length, time-intervals and place of observation → Tools and techniques to be used for observation → methods of interpretation 2. Execution of the observation → Making adequate arrangements for the target group → Making sound and physical conditions → Observing accurately the specific behaviour → Taking notes of facts revealed instantly → Using tape recorders, video camera's → Making sure that the target group is ignorant and unaware of the fact that their behavior is being observed

14. 3. Interpretation of the Observation: → Here inferences are made by the observer on the basis of the facts and information about the causes and consequences. It should be done very carefully wing expertise and intuition of the observer 4. Reporting or generalisation of the observation: → A comprehensive and complete report about the observation process is prepared in all respects for the purpose of supplying information to the target group and to the larger audience for research and evaluation purpose

15. Tools and Techniques of Observation:  Taking Note: What observed that should be in written form.  Taking photograph: Picture can give more information.  Preparing Map: Observed people are living in which area.  Schedule: What should be observed that have a specific limit.

16. Guide to do the observation  Make sure you are properly prepare with pen, paper and clear idea of what you are looking for.  Make sure that you make the notes as the observation is occurring or immediately afterwards-you don’t want to forget what happened.  Look and listen very carefully.  Remember not try to influence behavior of the people you are observing. So be careful how you take notes.

17. Relationship to other methods Observation can be used as stand-alone data collection tool. Often, however, observational data is used in combination with other approaches as part of an evaluation design. For example: Initial focus groups, interviews or surveys might identify a set of behaviours that are of interest. Observation then allows the evaluation team to assess how common the behaviours are, or to look for patterns in the circumstances or triggers that give rise to them. On the contrary, an evaluation might start with some exploratory observations, and then follow these up with interviews where participants are asked to comment on their experiences in the situation .

18. Data from interviews or surveys (about classroom management practices, for example) might be used in combination with data from observations (of classroom management) to build a more complete assessment of the effectiveness of a strategy being used in the classroom to improve student engagement. Observations can be used in conjunction with other data, such as administrative records or document analysis. After reviewing a mathematics program (document analysis), the evaluation team may use observations to support or challenge claims found in the documents about the effectiveness of the program.

19. Applications of observational research: Observational Research can provide deeper insights into people’s behaviours and can help in the business-decision process by: Shopping behaviour/in-store pattern of shoppers – Most frequently visited sections, colours/visual merchandize which attracted their attention, eye movement, time devoted to various sections, time taken in decision making. Time & motion study of in-store sales promoters. Recognition of perceived benefits of a product or service. Seeing how people actually use products or services. Display of new product or service opportunities.

20. Thank You