OBSERVATION

Observation
 Method of viewing and recording the
actions and behaviors of participants.

 Systematic observation method.

 All about observing the participants.

Purpose of Observation
1. Gather Empirical Data

2. Gather sufficient data to supplement or

verify information.

3. Gather information or data needed to

describe the aspect of a variable being
studied.
4. Gather directly primary data first-hand
information for his study.

5. Gather data from the laboratory or

elsewhere through experimentation.
Different Types of Observation
Participants and Non-participants
Observation
Structured and Unstructured
Observation
Controlled and Uncontrolled
Observation
 Advantage and
Disadvantage of Observation
Advantage of Observation:
1. Gather directly, first-hand information
about the subject of the study.

2. The researcher can observe his subject

for as long as he needs to do it.

3. Observation is a superior technique.

Disadvantage of Observation:
1. 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. Sometimes it is hard to gain entry in to

the area to be observed.
3. It is difficult to qualify data for standard
tabulation especially in unstructured
observation and when recording is done in
the essay form.
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.
5. Lack of anonymity makes the observed
subject withdraw or keep secret some vital
but sensitive and controversial information.
Characteristic of Observation for
Research
Specific
Systematic
Quantitative
Recorded Immediately
Done by an Expert
It can be Check and Verified
Instrument for Recording the Result
of Observation
A. CHECKLIST
• Device which contains the items to
be observed and a space for number
or checkmark or short verbal entries
KINDS OF CHECKLIST
I. Checklist with short verbal entries
II. Checklist that indicates the
presence or absence of an item
III. Dichotomous Checklist
How to design a checklist
Enumerate the dimensions to be
observed.
Define them very clearly.
Eliminate those that are vague or
repetitive.
Arrange them on a sheet of paper in a
manner most convenient for observing
and recording.
Include space for identifying data.
Try out the form.
Revise the form on the basis of the try
out and your experience.
Write the checklist in its final form.
B. RATING SCALES
• Checklist with an evaluation standard.
The types of rating scales are numerous
but some may be given.
Example:
C. ANECDOTAL FORMS
• Checklist that provides for less
breakdown of dimensions or
factor and hence, much space is
provided for writing.
Example:
Characteristics of Proper Anecdotal
Recording
What was written down is what was seen or
heard. Inference, guesses, or assumptions
are omitted unless they are labeled as the
same.
The observer has determined what aspects of
behavior are related to the dimension being
appraised.
If the record is to be cumulative, a plan of
periodic observation and recording is
established and adhered to.
Words and phrases to be used are those
with meanings which are clear, and
unequivocal.
Words and phrases to be employed are
those that are definable in terms of things
rather than other words. Concrete
statements are prepared to abstract one.
Words and phrases that have strong
connotation such as love, hate, insolent,
courteous, loyal, ect. are avoided.
Words and phrases to be avoided are those
which express the observer’s judgment or
his opinion, and not just his perception.
D. MECHANICAL RECORDING
Examples:
 Motion and Still pictures
 Sound recording
 A one-way vision screen or mirror
 Isolation Cabinet for Infant
 Photographic Dome
 Ticker
E. Stenographic Recording
Note: This is good especially in
anecdotal recording because all the
aspects to be observed and heard can
be recorded.
How Can Observation be made More
Valid and Reliable
How Can Observation be made More
Valid and Reliable
1. Use observation where and when other
data gathering devices cannot be used.

2. Use appropriate observation forms.

3. Record immediately.

4. Be as objective as possible.

5. Base evaluation on several observations.