Observation Technique:
What does observation technique mean: Observation Is one of the basic and oldest research methods to gather data. Observation stops being a normal part of daily life and becomes a research method if it is systematically planned and recorded and when both observation and recording are checked for their validity and reliability. It is a technique for collecting the data through occurrences that can be observed through senses with or without mechanical devices.
Observation is a two part process i.e. i) someone is observing--observer, and ii) there is something to observe-the observed. It is primarily centered arowd naturalistic conditions, termed as field research, i.e. the observation occurs in the natural environment of subjects. Laboratory setting is used when target behaviours are observed in environments different from the environment in which the behaviour normally occus. It usually occurs in a clinic or laboratory setting specially equipped for unobtrusive visual and auditory monitoring.
In observation there are four broad questions that confront the researcher. These are:
a) What should be observed?
b) How should observation be recorded?
c) What procedures should be used to try to assure the accuracy of observation?
d) What relationship should exist between the observer and the observed, and how can such relationship be established?