Observation can be classified in different categories.
On the basis of mode of observation:
- Naturalistic Observation:
- Observation is done in real life setting.
- Observer makes no effort to control or manipulate the situation for making an observation.
- These types of study are done in hospitals, school, railway station and other public places.
Advantages:
- Variables are studied in natural condition as they occur in real life.
- Results are generalizable.
Disadvantages:
- There is no control over extraneous variables.
- It is very time consuming.
- Controlled Observation:
- Observation is done in laboratory condition.
- Examiners have ample control over the extraneous variables.
- Goals and procedures of observation are predetermined.
For example: A psychologists studying the aggressive behaviour of children in their play group with some goal, decided beforehand.
Advantage: Other unimportant variables do not affect the observation.
Disadvantage: Laboratory experiments are artificial and do not corresponds to reality.
On the basis of investigator's role:
- Participant Observation:
- The investigator actively participates in the activities of the group to be observed.
- Investigator may already be the member of a group and decide to observe or he may join the group to observe the event.
- Sometimes the group members are not aware of the identity of the observer, this is known as disguised participant observation, but sometimes, they are aware of it, known as 'undisguised' participant observation.
- Observation procedure is usually unstructured.
- For example-Sometimes anthropologists, who want to study any particular tribe, get married to the member of the tribe and become part of the group.
Advantages:
- Observation is done in natural setting.
- Results are close to reality and can be generalized.
Disadvantages:
- It is usually unstructured, so it is not very precise.
- It is time consuming..
- Observer's bias affects the results.
- Non-Participant Observation:
- Observation is done in natural setting but investigator does not remain a participant in the group's activities.
- It is usually structured.
- Different tools like video camera, one way mirror etc. can be used to record observation.
- Sometimes observer can simply watch from a distance.
Example, watching the activities of a class in a school.
Advantages:
- It has structured procedure so data is precise and reliable.
- Observer's bias is controlled. Limitation
- If the investigator is watching from a close distance, subject may become conscious.