Research Methodology: Observation and its Pros and Cons

Research Methodology

TASK 1
1. Presenting the aim of observation along with its pros and cons
Observation as the name express, it is a way of collecting data through observing which
can be in structured and unstructured. The main purpose of observation is to provide deep
perceptive of a phenomenon as well as behavior of participants. Therefore, it is a necessary part
of increase and understanding of all realistic setting and its member’s way of perception. This
type is non- experimental because if research uses this method, then no one can manipulate and
as a result, they derived effective results as well. Another purpose of using this method over
other is such that it provides the most accurate information about people, their task and needs
(Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2016).
There are two main types of observation such as Participant and structured observation.
Thus, it helps to expressed clearly through observation by using all sense to determine people in
natural settings. In addition to this, researcher can acquiring information on what participants do
as opposed to what they want to perform. Hence, sometimes the investigator will insert
themselves into an environment and observe from a distance as well.
Advantages:
The biggest advantage of using observation is such that it furnish direct admittance to
investigation phenomena and also researcher can collect, check or record information as per
their suitability. It is also considered one of the easy method of data collection which actually
did not want enough technical expertise (Wang and et.al., 2019). Along with this, it also assists
to formulate a hypothesis so that investigator can observe and come to know about activities,
perception to form a theory on their subjects. It does not only help researchers but also used in
science field because of its easiness. There are many situations, where observation is the only
available tool that helps to collect information, other are fail.
In addition to this, the method also does not need willingness of contestant to evidence
such that scholar can detect from a region and record their collection as well. However, other
method like Interview recording is essential in order to generate the valid outcomes. Also, the
main advantage of observation is its directness because observer does not have to ask people, but
they only observe in order to generate the valid outcome (Tsujii and et.al., 2019). Further, there
are many methods to test reliability of other behavior and that is why, it is considered most
reliable than other method i.e. interview or questionnaire.
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Disadvantages:
The biggest drawback of using this method is such that it required long time as compared
to other information gathering method and there is a high possibility of percipient bias in chosen
method. That is why, it might lead to generate wrong results as well. Another limitation of using
this method is such that every human behavior is different, and they are not open during this
method, as a result, observer might influence from other things that cause opposite results. There
are many cases in which two persons perceptive the same phenomena, but provide various
consequence and this in turn lead to derived the wrong conclusion as well. Further, this method
reasoned a costly method because it takes hard attempt, abundance of time and high cost, that is
why, most of the researcher do not prefer this method. During observation, there are many
incidents like affection where researcher do not gain correct meaning and response frequently
(Shao, Hua and Wang, 2020). Also, if the research is related to past studies, then this method is
not beneficial because observation is performed only on present scenario. Therefore, uncertainty
of any event cannot be determined the actual time when an event will take place. Thus, the
chances of using observation strategy is minimized.
2. Presenting four dimensions that distinguish various approaches to observation
There are mainly 4 dimensions that helps in distinguishing between the different
approaches pertaining to observation and these are put to application as per the requirement.
Controlled and uncontrolled observation
The such type of observation takes place in regard to the natural settings, then it might be
called as the uncontrolled observation while under the situation when the observation is
conducted as per the stated or desired pre-arranged plans which incorporates the research
process then it is called as the controlled observation. On the other hand, under uncontrolled
observation, there is no effort being made to usage of the precision instruments (Leavy, 2017).
The core objective behind such type of observation is that to get spontaneous image of the life
and the personas. It provides completeness of behaviour which allows enough amount of time
for doing observation. But, on account of the uncontrolled observation, precision or mechanical
instrument is used which results into accuracy and standardization. The major drawback of the
uncontrolled observation is pertaining to its subjective interpretation. In general, controlled
observation mainly undertaken in the various research project which are conducted in a
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