Absence of independent variable does not
allow any cause and effect relationship.
Key feature – Standardized plan and
systematic approach to objectively observe and
To ensure that each participant’s behavior is
systematically recorded so it is possible to
aggregate the behavior of all those in sample.
It is observation of respondent by researcher in
respondent’s natural social settings.
Researcher has no influence over behavior of
Behavior of respondent is examined and
recorded without consent of him.
Good for observing specific subjects.
Ecologically valid recordings of natural behavior.
Spontaneous behavior likely to happen.
Threat to confidentiality
Method relatively underused in social research.
Systematically and planned observing behavior
in a controlled environment.
Direct observation of behavior and recording of
the behavior and the recording of that behavior
in term of categories that have been devised
prior to start data collection.
Explicitly formulated rules for observation and
recording of behavior.
Rules inform the observer about what they
should look for and how they should record
These rules are articulated in observation
Observing direct behavior.
Allows control of extraneous variable.
Reliability of results by repetitive study.
Provides a safe environment to study continuous
Control can effect behavior.
Imposing of irrelevant framework.
Not possible to know intentions behind behavior.
Unable to produce data a whole.
No use of observation schedule for recording of
Gives narrative account of the behavior.
Unplanned and informal.
It studies behavior of respondent in the natural
Broad overview of the situation and conditions
prevailing in the society.
Useful when subject matter is clear.
Appropriate as first step.
Not specific approach as it is the narrative
description of observation.
Problem of generalization.
Best known method in social science research.
Associated with qualitative research.
Prolonged physical immersion of observer in a
social setting in which he seeks to observe the
behavior of members of that setting.
In-depth study of the society and subject.
Close interaction and relation between
observer and subject.
Researcher becomes an accepted part of the
Detailed study of social settings.
Identification of real problems and elements that are
leading to such problems.
Problem of objectivity.
Close relation affects study.
Time taking process.
Observer observes but does not participate in
what is going on in the social settings.
Planned and structured.
Observer abstains himself from his physical
presence in the social settings.
Other sources are used to come to conclusion.
Avoidance of Observer effect.
Low cost and less time consuming.
Reliance on secondary sources which may be
No identification of real problem and prevailing
No in-depth study.
Specifies the categories of the behavior that are
to be observed and how behavior should be
allocated to these categories.
One of the best-known schedules for
observation of class rooms is Flanders
Interaction Analysis Categories (FIAC) devised
Literacy is one of the factors to development.
To know the impact of the illiteracy in the rural
society it is natural to adopt structured
observation. Although non-participation
observation is sufficient to arrive at a conclusion.
But to know the specific causes of illiteracy and
impact on development a certain level of
participation is necessary.
By observing the living standard, income and
health conditions of literates and illiterates.
Observation method is an important method
and tool in social research.
It is very important in arriving at new
conclusions and findings.
In-depth study leads to identifications of real