Observation is a method used in psychological research to study human behavior. There are several types of observation methods including participant observation, where the researcher joins the group being studied; non-participant observation, where the researcher observes without participating; direct observation of subjects in their natural environment; and indirect observation through analyzing textual materials like transcripts. Controlled observation is typically conducted in a laboratory setting where the researcher structures the observation.

1. OBSERVATION METHODS
Done By
S.Cindhana
Department of Management Studies
V.V.Vanniaperumal College for Women,
Virudhunagar

2. MEANING
 Observation (watching what people do) would seem
to be an obvious method of carrying out research in
psychology.

3. PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION
 Participant observation is a variant of the above
(natural observations) but here the researcher joins
in and becomes part of the group they are studying
to get a deeper insight into their lives.
 Eg:- Tribes

4. NON-PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION
 Non-participant Observation involves observing
participants without actively participating. This
option is used to understand a phenomenon by
entering the community or social system involved,
while staying separate from the activities being
observed.

5. DIRECT OBSERVATION
 Direct observation, also known as observational
study, is a method of collecting evaluative
information in which the evaluator watches the
subject in his or her usual environment without
altering that environment.

6. INDIRECT OBSERVATION
 Indirect observation involves the analysis of textual
material generated either indirectly from
transcriptions of audio recordings of verbal behavior
in natural settings
 Eg:- conversation, group discussions

7. CONTROLLED OBSERVATION
 Controlled observations (usually a structured
observation) are likely to be carried out in a
psychology laboratory. The researcher decides
where the observation will take place, at what time,
with which participants, in what circumstances and
uses a standardised procedure.
 Eg:- Experiment