Ala Enbaya

Methods of Research

January 28th, 2019

Collecting Data for Research Through Observations

After defining a research problem and outlining the research design, it is up to the researcher to

begin the task of data collection. Collecting data for research can be done using several methods. Using

observation as a method is beneficial since it collects primary data by examining a group of individuals

in a natural setting. Primary data is collected first-hand and is original since it’s collected freshly.

Observation involves extended participation in a setting (such as a social situation), researchers should

also have clearly-expressed specifications of how observing should be done, which concludes to

recording one's observations. This research paper will be discussing using observations as a form of data

collection for research, its advantages and disadvantages, how to set up a proper observation, and finally

how to analyze an observations results.

In the observation method, researchers observe participants within a specific research field in an

unobtrusive manner. It is used in natural and social settings, usually for collecting data about people,

processes and cultures. The observation research method is better and more conventional when it comes

to collaborating with people. It sheds light on data and information that escapes the data sample’s

awareness using different methods. It also gives an opportunity to learn things that individuals might be

reluctant to share in interviews. In this method, there are clear aims that the research tends to

accomplish. First, there’s the factor of seeing through the eyes of respondents which express events,

actions, values and norms that are followed by clear descriptions of that that is going on in. Observations

noted down add to a particular reference frame that observers have determined in advance. The
observers then decide not to impose prior framework onto the study to avoid early misconducts or

misconceptions. This method has been used for hundreds of years and it branches into multiple different

types of observations; Scientific, Systematic and Direct versus Indirect Observations.

The initial type of observation that is to be discussed in this research paper is Scientific

observation. With the right tools of experienced enumerators and guidance, scientific observation is

carried out with preparations formerly done. This provides for thorough and accurate data to be

collected. As for the systematic observation, it utilizes institutionalized methods, preparing of spectators,

plans and schedules for recording to control the observer sometimes even the subject. Unmistakably

some systematization is profitable in research perception, yet sadly the circumstance frequently restricts

what should be possible. Moreover, observation may be either direct or indirect. In the case of direct

observation, the observer is physically present and personally monitors what takes place. Direct

Observation data collection is done through the acknowledgment of occasions and behaviors as they

happen. The observer is also allowed to move places, change the focal point of the perception, and

concentrate on unforeseen occasions in the event that ought to happen. In indirect observation, recording

is done by mechanical, photographic or electronic means. For instance, a motion picture camera which

takes one frame each second is mounted in a department of an expansive store to consider the costumers

and worker movements. All in all, the observation method of collecting data is very flexible and

natural; in the sense that all outcomes are accurate and are in accord with the specific events in which

they are conducted in.

In process of collecting data, there are many things that should be considered. Most observations

are usually tied to a set of research questions in which they act as a criterion for the observer. They get

to decide whether their studies can be unstructured, semi-structured or structured. Depending on the type
and reason for the observation, the observer may wish to build up an observation guide to help them

gather information in a progressively composed manner. When observers go into a social setting to

observe, they are better ready to concentrate on those exercises that are probably going to add to their

information collection and, consequently, enable them to answer their research questions. Testing data

collection can also be beneficial to filter out what is important to include and what could possibly be

ignored. Researchers allow data to come up through the process whilst taking field notes, at the

beginning and at the end of the process, which allows them to identify how different they are in

comparison. Field notes are records of what researchers have observed. This will help them to remember

many details about settings that were kept under observation. They have to calculate their roles in the

setting, like whether they would be background observers, extra helpers or just participants. Next step is

to consider the context itself; where would the site be, what would it look, smell and feel like not just the

population. Hence, in observations, data usually comes from the field notes that observers take.

In similarity with all methods conducted for data collecting, there are a variety of advantages,

disadvantages and limitations. On the positive side, perceptions may empower the scientist to get to

those parts of a social setting that may not be noticeable to the overall population – those backstage

exercises that the general population does not for the most part observe. They give the researcher the

opportunity to provide rich, detailed descriptions of the social setting in their field notes and to see

unscheduled occasions, enhance understanding, and grow new inquiries to be asked of witnesses.

Observation method is very simple and useful. It doesn’t require too much technical knowledge so

almost anyone could be able to manage it. The observer can also directly check the accuracy from the

observed. Another advantage is that it requires less active co-operation and willingness of respondents

so those who do not express the will to speak, they would not have to. On the other hand, there are also
disadvantages to using observation. Scientists may not generally be keen on what occurs behind the

cameras. They could discover understanding or notice that what they is hindered for a number of

reasons. For starters, at the point when observers work into specific circumstances just to see that it is

already natural to them or when the informants are similar to them. Even worse, the informants could be

borderline participants in the culture or community leaders. That might not provide good reading on the

matter. In studying a culture that is different from the observer’s own native culture, it is essential to

utilize diverse informants, as they can give a variety of insightful understanding of the matter.

Lastly, limitations of using observations to gather information may need to be put under

consideration; when spectators focus on explicit parts of culture with natural views which means the

rejection of different personal opinions. For instance, if the observers are inspired by the political or

religious impacts of life, that might ruin the results; therefore, being natural is a given to accomplish a

successful study. Another limitation is that males and females may approach different information

conclusions based on their interactions with various groups of participants, settings and knowledge in

certain cultures. The degree to which the observers are accepted in the aimed community is determined

by how well the scientists are seen by the society. This acknowledgment depends on gender, age, class,

ethnicity and even appearance. Acceptance is based on whether group members trust the process, feel

comfortable with people and understand the involvement with the research will be safe for the

community. Another that needs to be considered is deciding to what degree an observer is comfortable

to end up engaged closely with the lives of the members, and how would that affect them. Last but not

least, there is always the potential limitation of a study using observations when the researcher is bias.

That could sway the data collected in the inaccurate direction.

 To sum up, observations include the utilization of the participants’ senses such as their

eyes and ears to record manners. They necessitate that people make judgements about behaviors

by looking at their recurrence, span or dormancy. These measures are essential information used

to depict a naturally happening behavior or to evaluate the influences of our independency. This

way, they should be assembled with consideration. Observation as a means of collecting data, is

intrinsically more subjective than other information gathering methods, since judgements depend

on the analysis of the researcher; a similar occasion happening in some condition will be seen

distinctively different by various researchers and therefore differently analyzed by them.

Moreover, attention is another essential factor in the observation process. For instance, a mishap

between two individuals, might be interpreted as dispute by one researcher, while another

researcher views it as dancing. As a result, the audience may translate the observations in similar

or different ways but regardless it can absolutely be beneficial factor in collecting data.