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Unit-19: Observation Method

8. Study of the Collective Behaviour: Just as to study individual behaviour, case study method notes
is considered the best, in the same way, to study collective behaviour, observation method
is considered to be excellent.
9. Deliberate study: Johada’s thought is that observation is a method in which observer himself,
deliberately studies the incidences and compiles the facts. He does not depend upon the
spoken and heard words of others.
Because of these attributes of observation, it is considered to be an important methodology of
trustworthy and scientific methods.

Utility (Merits) of Observation Method

Uses, importance or merits of observation method may be expressed by us under various methods,
in the following manner---
1. Easy and Primary Technique: in various methods of social research, observation method is
easiest because like other methods, in this method, observer need not have special knowledge
or training. Since the ancient times, human beings have been using observation naturally;
hence it is also a primary method.
2. accuracy and reliability: since in observation method, observer, instead of depending on
others, observes the incidences from his own eyes, hence this method is more accurate and
reliable as compared to other methods.
3. Helpful in Formulation of Hypothesis: in observation method, person gets an opportunity to
see, hear and understand many incidences, which increase his experience and provides him an
insight as a result of which observer develops an ability to formulate various hypothesis.
4. Most Popular Technique: Among various methods of social research, most famous and
popular method is observation which is prevalent since the ancient times. Hence, it is a
polite method.
5. Possibility of Verification: in observation method, accuracy of the facts compiled can be
verified easily. Observer sees the same incidence happening again and again, which is not
possible in other methods.
6. possibility of continuous use: observation can be used continuously. We can increase our
knowledge by observing the incidences around us and prepare the base for hypothesis.

Demerits or Limitations of Observation Method

Where observation method has many uses, it has many demerits too which set its limits. they are
as following:
1. limitations of senses: Job of observation is done with senses, especially eyes, the power of
which is not perfect. They many a times work differently, indefinitely and in a biased form.
our eyes and ears are easily attracted towards certain special incidences. in such a situation,
our study may be faulty.
2. Artificiality in Behaviour: When people get to know that their behaviour is being observed,
they bring artificiality in their behaviour and naturalness gets destroyed, hence study
becomes faulty.
3. possibility of bias: in observation, interpretation of the observed incidences depends on
the observer. During interpretation, his thoughts, values, principles, and culture also have
an effect; hence the inference of the study may be faulty.

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