Observation involves directly perceiving information through the senses to gather empirical data for research purposes. There are several types of observation, including participant and non-participant, structured and unstructured, and controlled and uncontrolled. Observation allows researchers to directly collect accurate primary data in natural settings, but it lacks control over external variables and may be difficult to quantify. Some advantages are gaining direct information and observing subjects over time, while disadvantages include lack of control and difficulty generalizing from a small sample size. For research, observation is specific, systematic, aims to be quantitative, involves immediate recording, and is performed by an expert to obtain verifiable results.

1. WHAT
IS
OBSERVATION
?
Prepared By:
Mrs. Gloria M. Samaniego
Division of Malabon
Tañong National High
School

2. Observation
* Gathering of information
for research, may be
defined as perceiving data
through the senses: sight,
hearing, taste, touch, and
smell.

3. Purposes of
Observation

4. 1. To enable the researcher
to gather empirical data
which are difficult to obtain
by other means.
For instance:
* Life cycle, social and economic
activities, the motivations and
aspirations and other practices of a
group are to be describe in detail.

5. 2. To enable the researcher
to gather sufficient data to
supplement or verify
information gathered by
other means.
For instance:
* In a survey using a questionnaire,
a certain library is rich in its
collections according to the
response. An ocular inspection may
verify this claim to be true or untrue.

6. 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.
For example:
* Case studies ( Clinical & Psychiatric
Cases) – observation of the behavior
of the subject is a vital tool in gathering
data for the case.

7. 4. To enable the
reseracher to gather
directly primary data or
first hand information for
his study for a more
accurate description and
interpretation.

8. 5. To enable the
researcher to gather data
from the laboratory or
elsewhere through
experimentation.
Remember:
* Data gathered through experiment are
more or less accurate, valid or reliable
because the variables involved are under
the rigid control of the experimenter.

9. TYPES OF
OBSERVATIO
N

10. 1. Participant and non-
participant observation
a. In participant observation, the
observer takes active part in the
activities of the group being
observed. The observer lives and
works with the group for a certain
length of time until he learns the
ins and outs of the aspect or
aspects he is studying about.

11. b. In non-participant
observation, the
observer is a mere
by-stander observing
the group he is
studying about. H e
does not participate
in the activities of the
group.

12. 2. Structured and
unstructured observation
a. Structured observation
(Controlled Observation)
concentrates on a particular
aspect or aspects of the
variable being observed, be it
a thing, behavior, condition, or
a situation. The items to be
observed are usually specified
for a standard tabulation.

13. b. In unstructured
observation, the observer
does not hold any list of
the items to be observed.
Anything be it an object,
behavior, condition or
situation, which is
relevant to the research
problem is included in the
observation.

14. 3. Controlled and
uncontrolled
observation
a. Controlled observation is usually
utilized in experimental studies in
which the experimental as well as the
non-experimental variables
controlled by the researcher. The
experimental variable is manipulated
by the experimenter to produce an
effect or effects upon the dependent
variable.

15. The non-experimental variables
are kept constant or equal in all
aspects so that any change in the
dependent variable is attributable
only to the independent variable. It
is usually done in the laboratory.
b. Uncontrolled observation is
usually utilized in natural
settings. No control whatsoever
is placed upon any variable
within the observation are.

16. For instance:
* The farmers may be
observed as they worked in
their farms, the dwellings of a
tribal group may be observed
as they are.
* It is also similar to
unstructured observation and
utilized in participant
observation.

17. Advantages of
Observation

18. 1. The investigator is able to
gather directly, first-hand
information about the subject of
his study. This kind of information
is accurate, more valid, and more
reliable than any information
gathered through other means.
2. The researcher can be observe
his subjects for as long as he needs
the time and as many times as he
can for greater accuracy and validity
in description and interpretation.

19. 3. Observation is a superior technique
of collecting information from non-
verbal behavior and inanimate objects.
The observer is in good position and
discern the significance of an
inanimate object or a non-verbal
behavior.
4. The subjects of the inquiry can be
observed in their natural settings and
this will exclude artificially in
description and interpretation.

20. Disadvantages
of
Observation

21. 1. In observation in natural settings,
there is lack of control upon
extraneous variables which may
adversely affect the validity of
attributing certain causes upon
certain effects.
2. There is a smaller size of sample
if the universe covers a very wide
area and the researcher cannot
afford to observe a substantial
area. This makes description and
interpretation less accurate and
less valid.

22. 3. It is difficult to quantify 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
into the area to be observed. This is
true if the research problem is a
sensitive or controversial on such as a
study on prostitution, graft and
corrucption, nude colonies, etc.
5. Lack of anonymity makes the
observed subjects withdraw or keep
secret some vital but sensitive and
controversial information.

23. Characteristi
cs of
Observation
for Research
Purposes

24. 1. Observation is specific.
2. Observation is systematic.
3. Observation is quantitative.
4. Observation is recorded
immediately.
5. Observation is done by an
expert.
6. Observation results can be
checked and verified.

25. THANK
YOU...