Arah’s Script

Slides Explanation

Defined as the method of viewing and recording the actions

and behaviors of participants. It is described as being a
systematic observation method, which implies that the
observation techniques are sensible and replicable procedures so
that the research could be reproduced. As the name describes,
“observational” methods are all about observing the participants.
The observations are made without disturbing, influencing or
altering the environment or the participants in any way.
Researchers simply use all of their senses to observe participants
in either a natural setting or a naturally occurring situation.

Purpose
1. To enable the researcher to gather empirical data (gaining
knowledge by means of direct and indirect observation or
experience) 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
be described accurately without observation.

4. To enable the researcher to gather directly primary data first-

hand information for his study for a more accurate description
and interpretation.

5. To enable the researcher to gather data from the laboratory or

elsewhere through experimentation.

Different Types of Observation

I. Participants and Non-participants Observation
Participants Observation – The observer takes active part
in the activities of the group being observed.

Example: Anthropologist living in a tribal group.

 Arah’s Script
Non-participants – The observer is mere by-stander
observing the group.

II. Structured and Unstructured Observation

Structured Observation - Concentrates on a particular
aspect or aspects of the variable being observed, be it a
thing, behavior, condition, or situation. This is usually used
in non-participant or controlled observation.
Unstructured Observation – The observer does not hold
any list of items to be observed.
III. Controlled and Uncontrolled Observation
Controlled Observation – Usually utilized experimental
studies, in which the experimental as well as the non-
experimental variable are controlled by researcher.
Uncontrolled Observation – Usually utilized in natural
settings. No control whatsoever is placed upon any variable
within the observation area.

Advantage and Disadvantage of Observation

Advantage of Observation:
1. Gather directly, first-hand information about the subject
of the study. This kind of information is more accurate,
more valid, and more reliable than any information
gathered through other means.
2. The researcher can observe his subject for as long as
he needs the time and as many time as he can for
greater accuracy.
3. Observation is a superior technique of collecting
information from non-verbal behavior and inanimate
objects.
4. The subject of the inquiry can be observed in their
natural settings and will exclude artificiality in description
and interpretation.

Disadvantage of Observation:
1. In observation in natural settings, there is a lack of
control upon extraneous variables which may affect the
validity of attributing certain causes upon certain effects.
2. There is smaller size of sample if the universe covers a
very wide area and the researcher the researcher cannot
afford to observe a substantial area.
3. It is difficult to qualify data for standard tabulation
especially in unstructured observation and when
recording is done in the essay form.
4. Sometimes it is hard to gain entry in to the area to be
observed.
5. Lack of anonymity makes the observed subject
withdraw or keep secret some vital but sensitive and
controversial information.