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Unit-19: Observation Method

are integrated by one central officer. This method has been used in many countries. In year 1937, to notes
study the nature, thoughts and life of the people of england and in 1944 to study the local conditions
of Jamaica, this method was used. since this method is an expensive method and it needs expert
management, hence this method, instead of any person, is used by government and semi-government
organizations. in this method, because of division of labour and because of the study of the incidences’
social, financial, political, psychological and other aspects altogether, there is the benefit of receiving
detailed information about it; however, it being an expensive methodology usually it is used very
little.

19.3 Merits of Participant Observation

Importance of participant observation in social research is clear from it’s below mentioned benefits
or merits.
1. Wider information: in this method, observer participates in all the activities of the group,
hence, may collect wider information about it. such wide information cannot be known
through questionnaires, schedules, interviews and other activities.
2. Minute and intensive study: in this method of study, researcher is himself present at the
point of happening of incidence and participates in the life of the group; hence he is able to
deeply study smallest of thing about the group.

Did You Know? Expressing the depth and fine of this method, Jahoda and Cook have written,
“active participation opens the doors of those sources of information, which
otherwise might have remained closed.”

3. Direct study: in this method observer directly studies the social behaviour, hence his
knowledge is more correct and scientific. Observer temporarily stays in the group, compiles
the facts about the people’s behaviour, activities, culture etc. in a direct form. Because of this
he is able to establish intimate and informal relationship with the people.
4. Study of Actual Behaviour: since participant observer is also accepted by the people of the
group, they, before him, do not behave artificially as is done before the strangers, hence in
this method; it is possible to study the actual behaviour of the people. Clarifying this fact,
Jahoda and Cook have written, “Participation in communal life actually increases ‘naturalism’
in the situation of the observer”.
5. greater reliability: since in this method, observer himself collects the information, hence
they are more reliable. others turn and twist and present the incidence because of which
incidences are not reliable, participant observation is free of this shortcoming.
6. Verifiability of Collected Information: In this method, facts collected by observer are verified
also because observer himself participates in the activities of the group. Hence, in case of
doubt, when the same situation arises, he can again verify the facts.
7. easy study: since in participant observation, observer becomes a member of the group,
no suspicion or distrust is shown upon him, without any restraint or interruption he may
participate in all functions of the group and study them easily. since the researcher does not
have to go in the study area again and again, it is a comfortable method of study.
8. Increase in the Skill of Observer: Because of staying in the group for a long time and
participating in its activities observer becomes experienced and skilled, he develops the
ability to understand every situation.

loVely professional uniVersity 149