Page 310 - DEDU502_GUIDANCE_AND_COUNSELING_ENGLISH

Guidance and counseling

Notes (ii) Observational data usually does not Consist detailed information about particular groups or
situations.
(iii) Direct observation is flexible and allows the observer to see and record the aspects of events
and behaviour.
(iv) Indirect observation involves the physical presence of the observer.

29.7 Summary

• Observation means viewing or seeing. We go on observing some thing or other while we are
awake.
• Observation allows the researcher to study people in their ‘natural setting’ without their
behaviour being influenced by the presence of a researcher.
• Observational data usually consists of detailed information about particular groups or situations.
• Observation as a method of data collection has certain characteristics.
(i) It is both a physical and a mental activity. The observation eye ‘catches’ many things which
are sighted, but attention is focussed on data that are pertinent to the given study.
(ii) Observation is selective. A researcher does not observe anything and everything.
(iii) Observation is purposive and not casual.
• Types of observation
• Participant Observation
• Non-participant Observation
• Direct Observation
• Indirect Observation
• Controlled Observation
• Uncontrolled Observation
• Selection of various Aspects of behaviour for observation : The biggest problem is observation
method is deciding upon the aspects of behaviour that should be observed.
• Making clear the meaning of selected behaviour : The meaning of determined behaviour should
be made clear so that if two different observers are watching an individual’s behaviour there
is consistency and reliability is their conclusions.
• Training of observers : It is important to train observers. It observers are not trained the marks
awarded by then shall not reflect the real position.
• Quantifying Observation : It is necessary to substantiate the observed behaviour. The
substantiation is in terms of numbers.
• Report writing or Data Recording : It is necessary to immediately record an observed fact.
• Principles to be followed in observation
(i) Observe the whole situation : While observing, the teacher should not only limit his attention
to the behaviour of the student but should also limit the conditions under which is working.
(ii) Observe Students is their routine activities : Students should be observed through their daily
activites, for instance, how does a student behave while studying in the classroom, in the
playfield or while moving more classroom to the other classrooms.
(iii) Observation over a long period : Students behaviour should be observed over a long period.
This help the observer to arrive at any definite conclusion.
• They permit measurement of actual behavior rather than reports of intended or preferred
behavior.

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