OBSERVATIONAL METHOD

“Observation method is a technique in which the behaviour of research subjects is watched and recorded without any direct contact.”

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

Nishigandha Berde

Naturalistic Observation

Structured Observation

Unstructured Observation

Participant Observation

Non-Participant Observation

Types

Pranali Gawand

• Attention

• Retention • Production • Motivation

Stages

Delzeen Sethna

Observational learning leads to a change in an individual's

behaviour along three dimensions:

An individuals thinks about a situation in a different way and may have incentive to react on it.

The change is a result of a person's direct experiences as opposed to being in-born.

For the most part, the change an individual has made is permanent.

Delzeen Sethna

How to record your observations:  Notes Video recorder or tape recorder

THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN OBSERVING Physical location  Language and behaviour The order and the setting  Exterior physical signs  Expressive body movements 

 

  Techniques

Prachi Paranjpe

Rosarch’s Ink Blot Test

Prachi Paranjpe

Advantages • Particularly good for observing specific subjects.

• Provides ecologically valid recordings of natural behavior.

• Spontaneous behaviors are more likely to happen.

• Allows control of extraneous variables.

• Gives a broad view of situation .

• Gives an insider view.

• Reliability of results can be tested by repeating the study.

• Provides a safe environment.

Yudhan Cheulkar

The inability to observe certain things.

Time consuming.

Questionnaires (surveys) are substitutes for the method.

Expensive.

The observer or the investigator can be bias to his subject, thus undermining the reliability  and hence it also hampers the validity of the data gathered.

Inconvenient.

Disadvantages

Percy Karat

Extraneous variables

Ecological validity

Observer bias

Observer effect

Important terms

Tanvi Diwan

FailureWhen a student fails in an exam, his reaction can be observed as 1. Angry, depressed, bitter feelings towards

the professor, revengeful, jealous, inferior etc.

2. careless, happy go lucky etc.

Example

Gururaj Wadke

• Teaching• Advertisement maker• Journalist• Subject analysis• Film maker• Writer/ Poet• Marketeer

Practical Uses Of Observation for a

professional

Bharathi Shankar