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Planning the observation in Educational Research

Observation can be a useful research tool. However, it does demand its rank: it can take a long time to absorb the required behavior or phenomenon, it can cost time and effort, and is prone to problems in interpreting or interpreting data. This research method requires the investigator to take precautions in terms of what was collected in the observation. Research observation does not just refer to the questions the researchers are looking for; it is also relevant to the environment and context in which research is occurring . The use of observation method requires proper planning. These are followings: v When, where, how and what to observe.  v How many structure levels are required for observation?  v The observation period, which must be suitable for the behavior to take place and follow.  v The researcher should carefully examine the relevance of observation method to the data need of selected study.  v He must identify the specific investigative q...

Types of observation in Educational Research

1. Participant Observation : In this observation, the observer is a part of  the phenomenon or group which observed and he acts as both an observer  and a participant. Example, a study of tribal customs by an anthropologist by taking part in tribal  activities like folk dance. The person who are observed should not be aware  of the researcher’s purpose. Then only their behaviour will be ‘natural.’ 2. Non - Participant Observation : in this method, the observer stands apart and does not participate in the phenomenon observed. Naturally, there is no emotional involvement on the part of the observer. This method calls for skill in recording observations in an unnoticed manner. Example : use of recording devices to examine the details of how people talk and behave together. 3. Direct Observation : This means observation of an event personally by the observer when it takes place. This method is flexible and allows the observer to see and record indirect asp...

Why to use observation in Educational Research?

—   Observation allows the researcher to study people in their 'natural setting' without their behaviour being influenced by the presence of a researcher. —    Observation is more than simply noticing something.  —   Observational data usually consists of detailed information about particular groups or situations. This kind of data can 'fill out' and provide a deeper, richer, understanding than survey work which tends to produce less detailed information about a larger number of people. —   Some methods only allow for the study of one individual at a time. Observation enables the research to study groups of people together , that is, it allows for the study of interaction between the members of a group. —   Observation offers researchers ways to assess the ineffable expressions of emotions, determine who they interact with, understand how participants talk to each other, and check how much time is spent on different activities. — ...

Observation As a Research Tool

—   Introduction           The observation method is the most commonly used method specially in studies relating to behavioural science. In a way we all observe thing around us, but this sort of observation is not scientific observation.           Observation becomes a scientific tool and the method of data collection for the researcher, when it serves a formulated research purpose, is systematically planned and recorded and   is subjected to checks and controls on validity and reliability. It is also a process of recording the behavior patterns of people, objects, and occurrences without questioning or communicating with them. Meaning —   Observation means viewing or seeing . We go on observing some thing or other while we are awake. Most of such observations are just casual and have no specific purpose. But observation as a method of data collection is different from su...