a useful notes on research and observation for M.B.A. ,B.B.A , And M.Com students

1. OBSERVATION
By.. Raghav jha
(M.B.A / M.Com)

2. MEANING OF OBSERVATION….
Observation is the systematic process of
recording the behavioral patterns of people,
objects, and occurrences without
questioning or communicating with them.

3. Observation is useful when…
You want direct information
You are trying to understand an ongoing
behavior, process, unfolding situation, or
event
There is physical evidence, products, or
outcomes that can be readily seen
Written or other data collection methods
seem inappropriate

4. CHARACTERISTICS
Physical & mental activity
Specific, selective & purposeful
Direct study
Cause & effect relationship
Systematic & scientific
Obsevation is expert
Carefully noted
Subject to checks & varification

5. Observation Process (lin naw)
Prepration & training
Entry to study environment
Initial interaction
Observation & recording
Termination of field work

6. Types of New Observation
Natural vs. contrived
Participant & NPO
Direct & indirect
Overt & covert
Structured & unstructured

7. NATURAL OBSERVATION
Observation of things as they naturally
happen
The observer simply record what they see
and hear who selecting some event and
ignoring others

8. CONTRAVED OBSERVATION
An artificial environment is created and the
behavior of people is observed in the
artificial environment .
• E,g, test kitchen

9. CONTRAVED OBSERVATION

10. PARTICIPANT OBS…
Observer participate with the activities of
group under study.
Researcher mingle with the group

11. Non participant observation
Observer does not actually participate,
 simply observe from distance

12. OVERT OBSERVATION
Those being observed are aware about
investigators presence and intension

13. COVERT OBSERVATION
Investigator presence is hidden or
undisclosed

14. STRUCTURE & UNSTR…
The observation characterized by
– Pre defined definition of unit to be observed
– Data to be observed
– And standardized condition of observation
UNSTRUCTURE
Sometimes we want to see what is naturally occurring or
exists without predetermined ideas. We use have an
open-ended approach to observation and record all that
we observe

15. Structured Unstructured
Looking for Looking at
Sometimes we have
something specific we
want to observe –
leadership skills; level of
participation; etc.
We use a structured,
preset guide of what to
observe or a checklist.
Sometimes we want to
see what is naturally
occurring or exists
without predetermined
ideas. We use have an
open-ended approach to
observation and record
all that we observe

16. DIRECT & INDIRECT
Direct observation—actual behavior are
observed
Indirect observation– result and/or physical
traces are observed

17. ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
Advantages
– Most direct
measure of
behavior
– Provides direct
information
– Easy to complete,
saves time
– Can be used in
natural or
experimental
settings
Disadvantages
– May require training
– Observer’s presence
may create artificial
situation
– Potential for bias
– Potential to overlook
meaningful aspects
– Potential for
misinterpretation
– Difficult to analyze