Characteristics of observation research

      Observation as a method of data collection has certain characteristics.

1.     It is both a physical and a mental activity. The observation eye ‘catches’ many things which are sighted, but attention is focused on data that are relevant to the given study.

2.     Observation is selective. A researcher does not observe anything and everything, but select the range of things to be observed on the basis of the nature, scope and objectives of his study.

3.     Observation is purposive and not casual. It is made for the specific purpose of nothing things relevant to the study.

4.     It captures the natural  social context in which persons’ behaviour occurs.