Presented by:

NIRANJAN MOHAPATRA

MLIS, IGNOU- 142389253

OBJECTIVES:

To understand observation method;

To identify its propose and characteristics

To know its planning, processing record data

in research

To identify the various types of observation.

To describe advantages and disadvantages

of this method

To know its application in Library

INTRODUCTION Two major approaches to gathering information about a

phenomenon:

▪ Primary data

▪ Secondary data

There are several methods used to collect primary data:

○ Observation Method

○ Interview Method

○ Questionnaire Method

○ Experimental Method

○ Case Study Method

Observation method is one of the most useful methods of data

collection for research especially in social sciences.

Even in the libraries this method is used to understand the

behaviour and attitude of the users.

CONCEPT: Observation means watching carefully.

All the things, situations we are seeing in our routine life, are not observation. (casual & without any purpose)

Observation is being done systematically with a definite purpose.

In the process of observation the observer uses all his sensory organs in an integrated manner.

The observer obtains information about the World around him for a definite purpose.

This is one of the oldest method for collecting the data and used by both the scientists and social scientists.

DEFINITIONS:

Observe means “to watch attentively in a

scientific manner”.

It is “a planned methodical watching that involves

constraints to improve accuracy”. (Ram Ahuja)

It is “a systematic viewing of a specific

phenomenon in its proper setting for the specific

purposed of gathering data for a particular study”.

(Krishna Swami).

In an observational study, the current status of

phenomenon is determined not by asking but by

observing. (Ronald R Powell).

PURPOSE: To collect valid data for qualitative research

used in both basic and applied research;

Capture the human conduct as it actually

happens;

Provide more graphic description of social life;

Study important events and situations;

Verify and extend the generalizations or

theories formed on the basis of other studies;

Gain insights in to the problem

CHARACTERISTICS: Involve both mental and physical activity;

(Attention only on the relevant items)

Study made on selective; (sample basis)

Take place in natural surroundings and no controls on the surroundings.

Observes in natural environment;(not artificial/Lab env)

Helps the researcher to determine the reality by him or herself;

Avoids manipulations;

Could be observation of fewer items and must serve the formulated research purpose.

PLANNING: Examine the relevance of the observation method for

collecting data.

Identify the type of data required. (If observation method is suitable)

Decide types of behaviour and Identify specific types of

questions.

Identify the samples and examine the conditions of events

and activities

Provide training to the observer. (both theoretically and practically)

Take decisions on the basis of the observer’s background.

Plan the observation tools, techniques.

Decide the place and the timings period for observation

Identify subjects/items to be observed.

Take measures to validate the data

PROCESSING:

choosing the research site;

gaining access in setting

and taking a role;

jotting down notes;

Formulating the analysis.

Williamson suggested four

stages for the observer:

Ramamurthy state three

steps for the processing

of observation:

Sensation: The Observer

uses their five senses to

gather information;

Attention: The Observer

attentively gathers only the

relevant information;

Perception: The Observer

forms the perception from

the gather information.

RECORDING OF OBSERVTION

DATA:

The observer has to record the observations

systematically

He collect all the data single handedly.

Thus, he may need a background, such as:

- knowledge of the subject,

- experience,

- adaptability,

- flexibility,

- Ability to mix with others.

- Training to concentrate on the study.

OBSERVER NEEDS TO KNOW :

The topic and background of the research;

Purpose of the observation;

About the group / people to be studied;

Level and extent of involvement;

Environment/conditions in of the observation;

Knowledge of tools and techniques used for

data collection.

TOOLS & TECHNIQUES: Narrative Recording:

(Description either as a summary or in key words.)

Recording on Scales: (Develop a scale in order to rate

various aspects of the interaction or phenomenon such as:

Negative------<---------<--------Natural-------->------->---------Positive

-5___-4___-3____-2____-1____0____1____2____3___4___5

Categorical Recording: Positive/Negative,

Always/sometimes/never,

Strongly agree/ agree/uncertain/ disagree/ strongly disagree,

Recording on Electronic Devices: such as audio / video recordings, cameras .

TYPES OF OBSERVATION

METHODS: Participant/Non-participant

Systematic /Unsystematic

Structured/Unstructured

Natural/Laboratory

Open/Hidden

Direct/ Indirect

Covert/ Overt

ADVANTAGES:

Getting non-biased responses from the responds.

Independent the respondent’s willing to respond.

Provide accurate and realistic data as it is based on firsthand experience.

Helps the researchers in getting the relevant data.

Obtained the currently happing data

DISADVANTAGES:

Expensive Methodology

Slowness of Investigation

Don’t allow the researchers to evaluate the

past data.

The Researchers can not present at

everyplace when a new event occurs.

Some observations can’t be treated as objects

of observation.

APPLICATION IN LIBRARY: Observation method is used in libraries,

The data collected is analyzed, and

The outcome is used for improvement of the library Users Study: (Information seeking behaviour of users; their attitude,

needs/demands, reading habit, feedbacks etc.)

Documents Study: (to study the frequently used and demanded documents for new acquisition, add multiple copies and weed out).

Suppliers/Vendors Study: (Evaluate supplier/vendors to select the effective one for supplying in suitable time and price)

Staffs Study: (Interaction of the library staffs with the users; evaluate the user satisfactory service; know work efficiency of staffs; identify the time used for a processing)

Relationship Study: (relationship with other libraries/institutes for resource sharing , handle the users of different categories according to their standard and quality etc.)

CONCLUSION: The researchers in LIS use questionnaire method of

data collection rather than observation method.

If they use this method the results could be more accurate.

The data collected from observation may be combined with the data collected through other methods / sources and can be used for improvement of the library.

Observation method is very useful for librarians.

(both in service development as well as in management of libraries).

It is a continuing method for libraries to study about the users, documents, staffs and so on.

Thanks

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