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method
,(b)
interview method
,(c)
questionnaire
group in which he/she shares his/her experiences.
Thus, in the participant method, the added advan-
tage is that the observer can extract information
which were not thought earlier but may be found
suitable while discussing. Nonparticipant obser-
vation method of data collection leads the
observer to record the feelings/experiences of
others maybe without disclosing the identity. As
such, this method is also known as
method
,(d)
schedule method
, and (e)
other
methods
.
7.1.1 Observation Method
In an observation method, data can be collected
from structured experiments as well as from
descriptive research studies. Though it is com-
monly used in behavioral/social sciences, it has
also an ample application in experimental
sciences. The power of observation in a scientific
research program may lead to an icebreaking dis-
covery. Observation is a planned, carefully and
thoughtfully selected method of data collection.
A scientific method of observation can result accu-
rate findings and conclusions. In observation, a
researcher can observe the elements under study
even without asking anything. If observation is
taken accurately, then subjective bias may also
get reduced. While applying the observation
method of data collection, a researcher should
keep in mind (a)
disguised
observation
. In a disguised method of observa-
tion, participants are free to exchange their
experiences without being cautious by the pres-
ence of an investigator. But in the process, the
investigator may not be in a position to ask for
any additional explanation or experience arising
out of discussion. Both participant and nonpar-
ticipant observation methods are applicable in
social as well as experimental studies.
Observation methods of data collection may
again be grouped into
controlled
and
uncon-
trolled
observations. When observations are
recorded in accordance with the prearranged
plans of the observer, which involves experimen-
tal procedures, the observation is known as con-
trolled observation. On the other hand, in an
uncontrolled observation, the observations take
place in normal natural orders, without requiring
any preplan for the recording of the observations.
In social sciences, particularly in the studies of
human behavior, uncontrolled observations pro-
vide natural and complete behavior of the human
being/society. These are mostly applicable in an
exploratory type of a research study. Control
observation mostly takes place in laboratory or
field experiments.
what
to observe
,(b)
how
observations are required to be noted
,(c)
how to
ensure the accuracy of the information
, and so on.
Observations can be of two kinds: (a) structured
observation
.Ina
structured observation, the definition of units to be
observed, the style of observation, the method of
recording, the standardization of condition of data
collection and selection of the pertinent data of
observation, etc., are all settled well ahead of
data collection. On the other hand, when data
collection takes place without the above
characteristics thought/settled in advance, then
the process is known as unstructured observations.
Generally the structured observation process is
used in a descriptive type of studies, whereas the
unstructured observations are mostly used in an
exploratory type of research.
Depending upon the participation or nonpar-
ticipation of a researcher/investigator/enumera-
tor, the observation methods of data collection
can again be divided into
and (b)
unstructured observation
7.1.2 Interview Method
This is one of the most common methods of data
collection, particularly in social and behavioral
sciences. Oral communication is the main theme
behind such method. Different questions, some-
times called stimuli are presented, to the
respondents to record their responses. Interviews
can broadly be classified into three categories:
personal
participant
and
non-
participant
methods. In a participant method of
observation, the observer (i.e., the researcher/the
investigator/enumerator) acts as a member of a
interview,
telephonic interview, and
chatting.