Observational Method .pptx

observational method

1. Observation Method

2. Observational Method

3. The observation method is most commonly used method in behavioral science. Observation becomes a scientific tool and the method of data collection for the researcher, when it serves a formulated research purpose, is systematically planned and recorded and is subjected to checks and controls on validity and reliability. It is also a process of recording the behavior patterns of people, objects, and occurrences without questioning or communicating with them. Introduction

4. Definition “Observational method is a technique in which the behavior of research subjects is watched and recorded without any direct contact.” Observational Method

5. It is the main method of Psychology and serves as the basis of any scientific enquiry. Primary material of any study can be collected by this method. Observational method of research concerns the planned watching, recording and analysis of observed method. This method requires careful preparation and proper training for the observer. Characteristics

6. Observational methods can be classified as : Direct Observational Methods Indirect Observational Methods Cont ………………..

7. Direct observation : observing behavior as it occurs. This means observation of an event personally by the observer when it takes place. This method is flexible and allows the observer to see and record subtle aspects of events and behavior as they occur. He / She is also free to shift place ,change the focus of the observation. In Direct observation _ actual behavior are observed Example: Observer is physically present to monitor. Direct Observational Methods

8. D irect observational methods can be classified as: observation without intervention(Naturalistic Observation) observation with intervention CONT……………

9. Naturalistic Observation observation in natural (real-world) setting without attempt to intervene or change situation Use when ethical considerations prevent experimental manipulation. Example A social psychologist observing the behavior of people shopping at a mall. Observation Without an Intervention/(without a manipulation)

10. Most psychological research involves observation with intervention. Researchers typically choose from three methods of observation with intervention in natural settings: Participant Observation Structured Observation Field Experiment Observation with intervention/(a manipulation)

11. In participant observation ,observers play dual role: They observe people’s behavior and they participate actively in the situation they are observing Participant Observation

12. Researcher sets up (structures) a specific situation in order to observe people’s behavior. Examples: Clinical and developmental observations of behavior, psychological testing Structured Observation

13. Researcher manipulates an independent variable in a natural setting and observes behavior (dependent variable).There must be two or more conditions to compare (independent variable).Researchers often use confederates to create these different conditions. Researchers attempt to have the most control in field experiments. Field Experiment

14. This does not involve the physical presence of the observer, and the recording is done by mechanical, photographic or electronic device. Indirect Observation –Result and / or physical traces are observed Example: Recording customer and employee movements by a special motion picture camera mounted in a department of large store. Indirect Observation

15. Indirect observations can be obtained by examining : 1. Physical traces 2. Archival records CONT……………..

16. Remnants, fragments, and products of past Behavior. Two categories of physical traces are: Use traces Products Physical Traces

17. Physical evidence that results from the use (or nonuse) of an item. Example Cans in a recycling bin ,pages highlighted in a textbook, wear and tear on video game controllers. Use traces

18. Creations, constructions ,or other artifacts of behavior. Example Petroglyphs (ancient rock paintings), MTV, Harry Potter action figures Products

19. Public and private documents that describe activities of Individuals groups (e.g., institutions, government) Two categories of archival records: Running Records Records for specific episodes Archival Records

20. Public and private documents that are produced continuously. Example Records for sports teams, Facebook and Twitter entries Running Records

21. Documents that describe specific events. Example Birth certificates, marriage licenses Record for specific Episodes

22. Two problems are: Selective deposit Selective Survival Spurious Relationships Selective deposit: Only some information is recorded. High school yearbook Public statement by politicians Limitation of Archival Records

23. Selective survival Some records are lost, damaged or removed e.g: When students drop a course within a certain time period, the record of their ever being in the class removed from the transcript. Serious when it is selective e.g : Fire in the presidents office Spurious Relationships Coincidental occurrence of event e.g: New laws reduced crime rates CONT……………..

24. Observational procedure Procedure for observers given by Beasley (1993). 1. know who you are and why you are there. Allow sufficient time for this before the start of the observation session. Especially on the first day of observation for each new client.

25. 2. The aim is to observe as ordinarily as possible. A single observer will often take observations Observer is placed where they can see everything that could affect the code e.g. if looking through a window at a client in the garden

26. 3. Avoid eye contact with anyone Stand as still as possible Look at the display until it is time to observe They should not talk to or distract anyone

27. 4. Wear flat, soft-soled shoes that will not sound loud on stairs or hard floors. Close doors carefully – some doors with automatic closer may shut with a loud slam Do not handle materials, move objects or otherwise intervene in the environment

28. 5. Do not go where a person might be expected to be asleep in bed or working with a member of staff Generally, this means not entering toilets or bedrooms Example, the person is doing housework.

29. 6. Make it clear at the outset of the session and put the records away when you have finished. If the observer has been talking to clients it can be intertwine At the end of the session tell everyone that observations are finished and spend a few minutes

30. 7 & 8 7. If the person you are observing seems likely to come to serious harm then you can either re-start observations later or go another day if need be. 8. Get a more accurate picture of a person’s level of engagement. Protecting the client’s privacy

31. 9. When in the community the decision of when to observe and when not to observe Observers should be provided explanation of the purpose of the investigation with a contact address e.g store manager 10. The general rule, therefore, is to observe rather than not observe. Confident, unobtrusive observers will rapidly blend in to the background and need not be a critical imposition in the lives of the people observed 9 & 10

32. Informed Consent Difficulty debriefing Privacy Ethical Issues

33. Advantages Very direct method for collecting data or information. Best for the study of human behavior. Data collected is very accurate in nature. Improves precision of the research results. Problem of depending on respondents is decreased. Helps in understanding the verbal response more efficiently. Observations can be made continuously and also for a larger duration of time period. Observation is less demanding in nature, which makes it less bias in working abilities. By observation, one can identify a problem by making an in depth analysis of the problems.

34. Cont... Information about the physical environment and about human behavior can be recorded direct. observation can provide information on the environment and behavior of those who cannot speak for themselves. Useful for Framing Hypothesis. Greater Accuracy. Provide natural and actual behaviors. A valuable tool for new product development, new market development, improving product quality.

35. Disadvantages/Limitation Problems of the past cannot be studied by means of observation. Having no other option one has to depend on the documents available. One cannot study opinions by this means. Attitudes cannot be studied with the help of observations. Sampling cannot be brought into use. Observation involves a lot of time as one has to wait for an event to happen to study that particular event.

36. Cont... Complete answer to any problem or any issue cannot be obtained by observation alone. Not all Occurrences Open to Observation can be Observed when Observer is at Hand Lack of Reliability Faulty Perception Slow Investigation and expensive Language and Cultural barriers

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