Observation Methods and techniques

a useful notes on research and observation for M.B.A. ,B.B.A , And M.Com students

1. OBSERVATION
By.. Raghav jha
(M.B.A / M.Com)

2. MEANING OF OBSERVATION….
Observation is the systematic process of
recording the behavioral patterns of people,
objects, and occurrences without
questioning or communicating with them.

3. Observation is useful when…
You want direct information
You are trying to understand an ongoing
behavior, process, unfolding situation, or
event
There is physical evidence, products, or
outcomes that can be readily seen
Written or other data collection methods
seem inappropriate

4. CHARACTERISTICS
Physical & mental activity
Specific, selective & purposeful
Direct study
Cause & effect relationship
Systematic & scientific
Obsevation is expert
Carefully noted
Subject to checks & varification

5. Observation Process (lin naw)
Prepration & training
Entry to study environment
Initial interaction
Observation & recording
Termination of field work

6. Types of New Observation
Natural vs. contrived
Participant & NPO
Direct & indirect
Overt & covert
Structured & unstructured

7. NATURAL OBSERVATION
Observation of things as they naturally
happen
The observer simply record what they see
and hear who selecting some event and
ignoring others

8. CONTRAVED OBSERVATION
An artificial environment is created and the
behavior of people is observed in the
artificial environment .
•E,g, test kitchen

9. CONTRAVED OBSERVATION

10. PARTICIPANT OBS…
Observer participate with the activities of
group under study.
Researcher mingle with the group

11. Non participant observation
Observer does not actually participate,
 simply observe from distance

12. OVERT OBSERVATION
Those being observed are aware about
investigators presence and intension

13. COVERT OBSERVATION
Investigator presence is hidden or
undisclosed

14. STRUCTURE & UNSTR…
The observation characterized by
–Pre defined definition of unit to be observed
–Data to be observed
–And standardized condition of observation
UNSTRUCTURE
Sometimes we want to see what is naturally occurring or
exists without predetermined ideas. We use have an
open-ended approach to observation and record all that
we observe

15. Structured Unstructured
Looking for Looking at
Sometimes we have
something specific we
want to observe –
leadership skills; level of
participation; etc.
We use a structured,
preset guide of what to
observe or a checklist.
Sometimes we want to
see what is naturally
occurring or exists
without predetermined
ideas. We use have an
open-ended approach to
observation and record
all that we observe

16. DIRECT & INDIRECT
Direct observation—actual behavior are
observed
Indirect observation– result and/or physical
traces are observed

17. ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
Advantages
–Most direct
measure of
behavior
–Provides direct
information
–Easy to complete,
saves time
–Can be used in
natural or
experimental
settings
Disadvantages
–May require training
–Observer’s presence
may create artificial
situation
–Potential for bias
–Potential to overlook
meaningful aspects
–Potential for
misinterpretation
–Difficult to analyze