This document discusses the observation method for collecting primary research data. It defines observation as watching phenomena systematically for research purposes. The objectives are to understand how to plan, conduct, record, and analyze observations. Observation involves using the senses to gather accurate data in natural settings without manipulation. It can be used to study user behavior and needs in libraries to help improve services. While time-consuming, observation provides realistic insights when combined with other data collection methods.

1. Presented by:
NIRANJAN MOHAPATRA
MLIS, IGNOU- 142389253

2. OBJECTIVES:
 To understand observation method;
 To identify its propose and characteristics
 To know its planning, processing record data
in research
 To identify the various types of observation.
 To describe advantages and disadvantages
of this method
 To know its application in Library

3. INTRODUCTION
 Two major approaches to gathering information about a
phenomenon:
▪ Primary data
▪ Secondary data
 There are several methods used to collect primary data:
○ Observation Method
○ Interview Method
○ Questionnaire Method
○ Experimental Method
○ Case Study Method
 Observation method is one of the most useful methods of data
collection for research especially in social sciences.
 Even in the libraries this method is used to understand the
behaviour and attitude of the users.

4. CONCEPT:
 Observation means watching carefully.
 All the things, situations we are seeing in our routine
life, are not observation. (casual & without any purpose)
 Observation is being done systematically with a
definite purpose.
 In the process of observation the observer uses all
his sensory organs in an integrated manner.
 The observer obtains information about the World
around him for a definite purpose.
 This is one of the oldest method for collecting the
data and used by both the scientists and social
scientists.

5. DEFINITIONS:
 Observe means “to watch attentively in a
scientific manner”.
 It is “a planned methodical watching that involves
constraints to improve accuracy”. (Ram Ahuja)
 It is “a systematic viewing of a specific
phenomenon in its proper setting for the specific
purposed of gathering data for a particular study”.
(Krishna Swami).
 In an observational study, the current status of
phenomenon is determined not by asking but by
observing. (Ronald R Powell).

6. PURPOSE:
 To collect valid data for qualitative research
used in both basic and applied research;
 Capture the human conduct as it actually
happens;
 Provide more graphic description of social life;
 Study important events and situations;
 Verify and extend the generalizations or
theories formed on the basis of other studies;
 Gain insights in to the problem

7. CHARACTERISTICS:
 Involve both mental and physical activity;
(Attention only on the relevant items)
 Study made on selective; (sample basis)
 Take place in natural surroundings and no
controls on the surroundings.
 Observes in natural environment;(not artificial/Lab env)
 Helps the researcher to determine the reality by
him or herself;
 Avoids manipulations;
 Could be observation of fewer items and must
serve the formulated research purpose.

8. PLANNING:
 Examine the relevance of the observation method for
collecting data.
 Identify the type of data required. (If observation method is suitable)
 Decide types of behaviour and Identify specific types of
questions.
 Identify the samples and examine the conditions of events
and activities
 Provide training to the observer. (both theoretically and practically)
 Take decisions on the basis of the observer’s background.
 Plan the observation tools, techniques.
 Decide the place and the timings period for observation
 Identify subjects/items to be observed.
 Take measures to validate the data

9. PROCESSING:
 choosing the research site;
 gaining access in setting
and taking a role;
 jotting down notes;
 Formulating the analysis.
Williamson suggested four
stages for the observer:
Ramamurthy state three
steps for the processing
of observation:
 Sensation: The Observer
uses their five senses to
gather information;
 Attention: The Observer
attentively gathers only the
relevant information;
 Perception: The Observer
forms the perception from
the gather information.

10. RECORDING OF OBSERVTION
DATA:
 The observer has to record the observations
systematically
 He collect all the data single handedly.
 Thus, he may need a background, such as:
- knowledge of the subject,
- experience,
- adaptability,
- flexibility,
- Ability to mix with others.
- Training to concentrate on the study.

11. OBSERVER NEEDS TO KNOW :
 The topic and background of the research;
 Purpose of the observation;
 About the group / people to be studied;
 Level and extent of involvement;
 Environment/conditions in of the observation;
 Knowledge of tools and techniques used for
data collection.

12. TOOLS & TECHNIQUES:
 Narrative Recording:
(Description either as a summary or in key words.)
 Recording on Scales: (Develop a scale in order to rate
various aspects of the interaction or phenomenon such as:
Negative------<---------<--------Natural-------->------->---------Positive
-5___-4___-3____-2____-1____0____1____2____3___4___5
 Categorical Recording:
 Positive/Negative,
 Always/sometimes/never,
 Strongly agree/ agree/uncertain/ disagree/ strongly disagree,
 Recording on Electronic Devices:
 such as audio / video recordings, cameras .

13. TYPES OF OBSERVATION
METHODS:
 Participant/Non-participant
 Systematic /Unsystematic
 Structured/Unstructured
 Natural/Laboratory
 Open/Hidden
 Direct/ Indirect
 Covert/ Overt

14. ADVANTAGES:
 Getting non-biased responses from the
responds.
 Independent the respondent’s willing to
respond.
 Provide accurate and realistic data as it
is based on firsthand experience.
 Helps the researchers in getting the
relevant data.
 Obtained the currently happing data

15. DISADVANTAGES:
 Expensive Methodology
 Slowness of Investigation
 Don’t allow the researchers to evaluate the
past data.
 The Researchers can not present at
everyplace when a new event occurs.
 Some observations can’t be treated as objects
of observation.

16. APPLICATION IN LIBRARY:
 Observation method is used in libraries,
 The data collected is analyzed, and
 The outcome is used for improvement of the library
 Users Study: (Information seeking behaviour of users; their attitude,
needs/demands, reading habit, feedbacks etc.)
 Documents Study: (to study the frequently used and demanded
documents for new acquisition, add multiple copies and weed out).
 Suppliers/Vendors Study: (Evaluate supplier/vendors to select the
effective one for supplying in suitable time and price)
 Staffs Study: (Interaction of the library staffs with the users; evaluate the
user satisfactory service; know work efficiency of staffs; identify the time used
for a processing)
 Relationship Study: (relationship with other libraries/institutes for
resource sharing , handle the users of different categories according to their
standard and quality etc.)

17. CONCLUSION:
 The researchers in LIS use questionnaire method of
data collection rather than observation method.
 If they use this method the results could be more
accurate.
 The data collected from observation may be
combined with the data collected through other
methods / sources and can be used for
improvement of the library.
 Observation method is very useful for librarians.
(both in service development as well as in management of libraries).
 It is a continuing method for libraries to study about
the users, documents, staffs and so on.

18. Thanks
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