Observations

METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION
OBSERVATION
Observation 1
INTRODUCTION
❖ Definition:
❖ Observation is fact-finding
technique that the researcher
either participates or watches as
a person performs activities to
learn more about the problem
under study.
Observation 2
ADVANTAGES OF OBSERVATION
1. Data gathered by observation can be highly reliable. Sometimes

observations are conducted to check the validity of data
obtained directly from respondents e.g. the performance of a
system.
2. The researcher is able to see exactly what is being done.

Complex tasks are sometimes difficult to clarify and explain in
words.
3. Observation is relatively inexpensive compared with other fact-

finding techniques.
4. Observation allows the researcher to do work measurement.
5. Eliminates subjective bias, if observation is done accurately.
Observation 3
DISADVANTAGES OF OBSERVATION
1. People are usually uncomfortable being watched, they

may be unwittingly perform differently when being
observed.
2. The work being observed may not involve the level of

difficulty or volume normally experienced during that time
period.
3. The researcher activities may take place at odd times,

causing a scheduling inconvenience for the researcher.
Observation 4
DISADVANTAGES OF OBSERVATION
4. The tasks being observed are subject to various

types of interruptions.
5. Some tasks may not always be performed in the

manner in which they are observed by the
researcher.
6. If people have been performing tasks in a manner

that violates standard operating procedures, they
may temporarily perform their jobs correctly when
they are being observed, i.e. they let you see what
they want you to see.
Observation 5
GUIDELINES FOR OBSERVATION
❖ Much preparation is needed before the observation

actually takes place.
❖ The first the researcher has to establish if observation

forms are needed and whether observation will bother
those being observed.
❖ He/she also has to establish the normal, peak and low

periods of the operations being observed.
❖ When planning is completed the actual observation can

be done.
Observation 6
GUIDELINES FOR OBSERVATION contd.
1. Determine the who, what, where, when, why, and the

how of the observation.
2. Obtain permission from the appropriate supervisors or
managers.
3. Inform those who will be observed of the purpose of the
observation.
4. Keep a low profile.
5. Take notes during or immediately following the
observation.
6. Review observation notes with appropriate individuals.
7. Don’t interrupt the individuals at work.
8. Don’t focus heavily on trivial activities.
9. Don’t make assumptions.
Observation 7
OBSERVATION FORMS, SCHEDULES OR CHECKLISTS
❖ A researcher utilizes an observation checklist to record

what he/she observes during data collection.
❖ The research her must define the behaviors to be

observed and then develop a detailed list of behaviors.
During data collection the researcher checks off each
as it occurs.
❖ In some cases, some studies require rating scales to

be used. These require that the observer not only
observes the behavior but also evaluates that behavior
on a rating scale.
Observation 8
❖ The researcher should bear the following in mind when

using observation forms.
1. After developing the observation form, it must be tested in
situations similar to those which are expected during the
data collection. Pre-testing helps to correct any mistakes
that may be discovered.
2. Not too many behaviors should be observed. About ten are

satisfactory.
3. The number of subjects being observed should be

controlled. It is not possible to study as many subjects as
one would in a survey research since observing is time
consuming. Too many subject yield results that tend to
unreliable.
Observation 9
4. The behavior to be observed should be

defined in sufficient detail.
❖ This makes it easier for the researcher to
determine whether a particular behavior has
occurred or not.
5. When more that one observer is used to

study, training is necessary in order to
a) Master the observation form
b) Standardize observation procedures
Observation 10
❖ Training Observers
1. The first step is to discuss observation forms. Each item is
described thoroughly so that observers are aware of the
behavior to be observed.
2. The second step is to set up practice observations in which

all observer trainee participate. During this time,
clarifications are made, and rules should be set to help
observers to be as uniform as possible while observing.
NB: video taping the particular sessions helps

improve the observers skills
Observation 11

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METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

1. Data gathered by observation can be highly reliable. Sometimes

2. The researcher is able to see exactly what is being done.

3. Observation is relatively inexpensive compared with other fact-

4. Observation allows the researcher to do work measurement.

5. Eliminates subjective bias, if observation is done accurately.

1. People are usually uncomfortable being watched, they

2. The work being observed may not involve the level of

3. The researcher activities may take place at odd times,

4. The tasks being observed are subject to various

5. Some tasks may not always be performed in the

6. If people have been performing tasks in a manner

❖ Much preparation is needed before the observation

❖ The first the researcher has to establish if observation

❖ He/she also has to establish the normal, peak and low

❖ When planning is completed the actual observation can

1. Determine the who, what, where, when, why, and the

❖ A researcher utilizes an observation checklist to record

❖ The research her must define the behaviors to be

❖ In some cases, some studies require rating scales to

❖ The researcher should bear the following in mind when

2. Not too many behaviors should be observed. About ten are

3. The number of subjects being observed should be

4. The behavior to be observed should be

5. When more that one observer is used to

2. The second step is to set up practice observations in which

NB: video taping the particular sessions helps

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