This document summarizes a seminar on the topic of observation in psychology. It defines observation as the inspection of overt behavior and notes that it is a fundamental method for gathering information. It outlines different types of observation including participant observation, where the observer is part of the group; non-participant observation, where the observer does not participate; controlled observation, which takes place in a lab setting; and uncontrolled observation, which occurs naturally. It also discusses features of observation, recording observations, types of observations, merits and demerits, and educational implications.

1. SEMINAR ON PSYCHOLOGY
BY,
TEENA VARGHESE
ENGLISH.

3. OBSERVATION
 DEFINITION :The inspection of the overt behaviour of a
person in appropriate situations.
 Specific, quantitative, systematic, recorded immediately,
should be repeated at a no. Of times.
Observation is one of the most common method used for
getting information about various things around us.It acts as
the fundamental and basic method of getting information
about anything.Oxford Concise dictionary defines it
as:’Observation means accurate watching,noting the
phenomenon by which they occur in nature with regarrd to
the cause and effect of mutual relations.’Science begins with
observation and at the end also uses it for the final
validation.’

4. FEATURES OF OBSERVATION
1.EYE OBSERVATION
Observation involves the use of eyes
rather than the use of ears and voice.eg:The work
experienceed people never believes hearsay rather only
believes if he has observed that with his own eyes .
2.AIM
Observations made by the researchers are brought in
use with some or other aims to achieve something.eg:the
discovery of something.
3.PLANNING
Value of an observation is only if it is done
properly in a planned manner.To get an in depth under
standing of the activity observation should be well-planned.

5. 4.RECORDING
After the observation things tend to get out of
the mind.So it is very important to keep a record of such
activities.Tape,videocameras,etc are very effective.By using
these the chances of getting wrong or seems to be very less.
5.PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ACTIVITY
Sense organs have a
very critical role to play in observation process.During the
observation one has to use his sense organs for seeing and
hearing things and then has to keep in mind the whole set of
observations for an in depth analysis of the matter later on.
6.EXACTNESS
Observation should be based on standardized
tools of research which makes an observation exact in its
nature of working.

6. 7.DIRECT STUDY
Observation is a very vital scientific method
that helps a lot in the collection of the primary information
that is reliable in nature in which direct study of the situation
is involved.

7. TYPES OF OBSERVATION

8. PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION
• Observer becomes part of the group.
• members are unconscious of him.
• Freely mingles with them.
• Hence members will not hide their actual behaviour
• The main aim is to gain a close and intimate familiarity with
a given group of individuals.
• It was used by the anthropologists and they were able to gain
and formulate first hand accounts.
• The researcher must ensure the ethical boundaries and a
clearly established boundaries before the onset of the
study.eg.observation of illegal activities.

10. NON PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION
 It is a data collection method in which the observer
enters a social system to observe events,activities,and
interactions with the aim of gaining a direct
understanding of a phenomenon in its natural
context.
 Observer observes the group without actually
participating in activities.
 Observer is unbiased ,observe even minute things.
 Members may hide their actual behaviour.
 Non participant observer adopts a distant and seperate
role than that of participant observer.

12. CONTROLLED OBSERVATION
• It is a type of observation where the conditions are
contrived by the observer.
• This type of obsrvation are carried out in a laboratories
and are high in control.
• It is an inspection made within the confines of standard
and systematic circumstances instead of casual and
incidental ones.
 It allows the researchers to obtain a base value that could
be trusted with regard to the experiment.
 Observation is made under controlled conditions.
 Observer uses an experimental lab for the purpose.

13. UNCONTROLLED OBSERVATION
 The method where the researcher is free to examine
responses of the people,without recording of people s
behaviour.
 This observation takes place in natural setting.
 This method does not use any standardised
observational techniques .
 Natural observation on incidents which happen
spontaneously.
 Eg: observing the boys at play.

14. MERITS OF OBSERVATION
Applicable for the children of all ages.
Does not require any special tool or equipments.
Adaptable to both the individual and groups.
By observing one can identify a problem by making an
in depth analysis of the problems.
The problem of depending on respondents is decreased.
It is the very direct method of getting informatiion-best
for the study of human behaviour.
Data collected is very accurate in nature and also
reliable.

15. DEMERITS OF OBSERVATION
Personal prejudices and bias of the observer.
100% accuracy cannot be ensured as observation is recorded
after the actions of the observed.
Reveals only the overt behaviour than introvert.
Observations like controlled observations require some
especial instruments or tools for the effective working which
are very costly.
Attitudes cannot be studied through this means.
Sampling cannot be brought into use.
It involves a lot of time as one has to wait for an event to
study that particular event.
Complete answer to any problem cannot be obtained by
observation alone.

16. EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS
Children could be observed clearly , and can help
them to overcome their problems which where
revealed through observation.
Children should be appreciated for their positives and
should rectify their mistakes.
It enable teachers , parents etc to develop the talents
and to give proper attention according to the types of
children.

17. CONCLUSIONObservation is the active acquisition of information from
a primary source.In living beings,observation employs
the senses.In science,observation can also involve the
recording of the data by using various
instruments.More datas are collected during the
scientific activities.Observation can be
qualitative,specific and can be repeated a no. Of times.
Through this type of
observations ,eventhough the means are different
knowledge can be aquuired to every observer.As
observation plays a significant role in one s life and
achievment,it is an important aspect in the
methodology of teachers so as to improve the child in
every ways of life.

18. MULIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

19. 1.The examination of something for collecting the data is
known as
a)Introspection b)Observation
c)Interview d)Survey
2.The type of observation where the observer becomes part of
the group
a)Controlled observation b)uncontrolled
c)participant d)non participant
3.The type of method in educational psychology where the
manifold objects are being used a)Observation
b)uncontrolled c)controlled
d)participant.
4.The observation which occur naturally and spontaneously is
known as
a)Continuous observation b)participant observation
c)Uncontrolled observation d)both a &b.

20. 5.A girl watching a baby at play is an example of
a)Group observation b)unnatural observation
c)Uncontrolled observation d)none of the above.
6.The type of observation usually performed by the
investigators
a)Participant observation b)nonparticipant
c)Controlled d)uncontrolled
e)All of the above.
7.CCTV and other objects are quitely used in
a)Participant observation b)experimental observation
c)Non participant observation
d)controlled observation.
8.The kind of observation where the observer observes without
any participation

21. a)Non participant b)group observation c)alienated observation
d)live observation.
9.A college uses the camera system to observe the discipline
and behaviour of its students.This comes under a)Participant
observation
b)Controlled observation c)clinical observation
d)None of the above.
10.The method of educational psychology which reveals the
overt behaviour only &not that is within is
a)Clinical method b)observation method
c)Experimental method d)case study method.

22. THANK YOU