What is a Qualitative Observation

What is a Qualitative Observation

by

Qualitative Observation

The qualitative observation method is an observational research technique that documents and analyses events, behaviours, or phenomena as they naturally unfold in their original setting. This scientific inquiry method has a rich history and is commonly used in social sciences, psychology, anthropology, and ecology.
What is a Qualitative Observation

Contents

Meaning of Observation

4 Types of Quantitative Research

why are qualitative observations important

Merits of the Observation Method

Limitations

Essential Guidelines for Making Good Observations

Conclusion

Meaning of Observation

Observation means looking outside oneself. Facts are collected by observing individuals’ overall behaviour to locate underlying problems and study developmental trends of different types.
 
Overt behaviour manifests in court conditions within the individual. Studying overt behaviour gives an indirect clue to the individual’s mental health condition. Observation means ‘perceiving the behaviour as it is.
 
In the words of Goods, “Observation deals with the overt behaviour of people in appropriate situations.”
 
Observation has been defined as “Measurements without instruments.” 
 
For example, students in the classroom have been labelled as good, fair, poor in achievement, lazy or diligent in study, etc. Based on observation, observation is an indirect approach to studying the mental processes of others through observing their external behaviour.
For example, if someone frowns, howls, grinds his teeth, or closes his fists, you would say that the person is angry only by observing these external signs of his behaviour. 
 
The following four steps are generally required for students in the observation process.
Meaning of Observation

Observation of Behaviour

The first step in the observation is to perceive or observe the behaviour of individuals under
study linearly.  If we want to observe children’s behaviour, we can observe it when they assemble and play. 

Recording of the Behaviour Observed

Observations should be carefully and immediately noted and recorded. A minimum amount of time should be allowed to pass between the event happening and recording it. It will make the observation more objective.

Analysis and Interpretation of Behaviour

When the notes of the behaviour observed are completed, they are analyzed objectively and scientifically to interpret the behavioural patterns. 

Generalization

It is possible to make certain generalizations by analyzing and interpreting the data collected with the help of the observation method. Child psychologists have described the social development and behaviour of children based on generalization based on analysis and interpretation of the data gathered through the observation method.

AVERAGE HUMAN LIFE EXPECTANCY 2024

4 Types of Quantitative Research

You have observed the procedure in action. There are different ways to observe, so let’s examine the types of observation.

Natural Observation

In natural observation, we observe the specific behavioural characteristics of children in a natural setting. Unconsciously, subjects exhibit behaviour that escapes their awareness during observation.

Participant Observation

Here, the observer becomes a part of the group he wants to observe. It discloses the minute and hidden facts. 

Non-Participant Observation

The observer records the subject’s behaviour in its most unaltered state, unobtrusively in their normal environment. Non-participant observation permits the use of recording instruments. 

Structure Observation

Here, in relevance, the observer sets up a form and categories in terms of what he wishes to analyze in the problem. The observer always keeps in view a frame of reference and time units. Limits of an act.
This is also called uncontrolled or unrestrained observation. In participant observation, the observer assumes the role of a fellow member of the group being studied. The observation of the individual extends beyond classroom hours and includes his interactions with friends.
Observation is a useful method to study a child and his behaviour. In psychology, the student observation approach is well-known for its following benefits.

Why are qualitative observations important?

Qualitative observations are important because they provide rich, descriptive insights that go beyond the quantitative, and provide a deeper understanding of complex phenomena, behaviours, or environments. Understanding here are some key reasons:

What is a Qualitative Observation

Understanding context: Qualitative observations consider context, which is important for the accurate interpretation of events, actions, or outcomes. For example, understanding the environment, body language, and emotions involved can help you better understand the situation.

The Human Factor: perspective prioritizes the importance of personal experiences, encompassing emotions, opinions, drives, and dispositions, which are crucial in the realms of psychology, anthropology, and sociology.

Uncovering hidden meanings: Researchers can employ descriptive analysis to reveal concealed patterns, themes, or recurrences in qualitative data, which could result in fresh research avenues or queries.

Flexibility: Qualitative observations provide flexibility in analysis, allowing the observer to focus on unexpected information or emerging concepts, which is valuable when studying the environment a dynamic or unpredictable

Supporting quantitative data: Quality control combined with quantitative data adds depth to the analysis by explaining the “why” or “how” behind trends, and providing what findings are comprehensive and meaningful

 

Merits of the Observation Method

The observation approach grants researchers the ability to directly observe and record behaviour as it happens, providing a contrast to the self-report method and the subject being studied.
 
1. Being a record of the children’s behaviour, it is more reliable and objective. 
 
2. It is an excellent source of information about what happens in the classroom. 
 
3. It is a study of an individual in a natural situation and is more helpful than the restricted study in a test situation. 
 
4. The method can be used with children of all ages. The younger the child, the easier it is to observe him. This method is helpful with shy children. 
 
5. It can be used in every situation, including physical activities, workshops, and classroom situations. 
 
6. It is adaptable to both individuals and groups. Although observation is regarded as an efficient method for psychological studies, it has drawbacks and limitations.

Limitations

There is great scope for personal prejudices and bias of the observer. The observer’s interests and values can distort observation. The act of recording observations after the fact may lead to inaccuracies in the records. There is some time lag.
 
1. The observer may get only a small sample of the study behaviour. It is difficult to observe everything that the student does or says. Observations should be made from several events as far as possible. 
 
2. It reveals overt behaviour only – behaviour that is expressed and not what is within. 
 
3. It lacks applicability, as each natural situation can occur only once. 
 
Students looking at the drawbacks of an observation method have psychologists suggest various guidelines for making good observations. So, let’s find out these essential guidelines for making good observations. 

Essential Guidelines for Making Good Observations

Observe one individual at a time. It focuses on just one individual at a time to collect comprehensive data. have specific criteria for making observations. Before initiating observation, the observer needs to be aware of the goal to ensure the recognition of relevant behavioural aspects aligned with the objective.
 
Observations should be made over time and as frequently as possible to estimate a person’s actual manners. Observation alone will not sufficiently tell us that this is an individual’s characteristic.
To increase their validity, the observations should be made in differing and natural situations in natural settings. For example, a pupil’s behaviour in the classroom may not be typical of him; therefore, he should be observed in settings to determine the behaviour most typical of the person. 
 
Observe the pupil in the context of the total situation. It is better to have two or more observers.
 
The observed facts must be recorded instantly, just at the time of their occurrence; otherwise, the observation may be some of the facts, and the recording may not be accurate.  
Observations should be made under favourable conditions. The observer should be in a clear position to observe what is observed. There should not be any undue distractions or disturbances. One should also have an attitude free from biases or prejudices against the observed. 
 
Data should be integrated with other data. When concluding an individual, one should combine all the knowledge about the individual with the other. Then, we can give an integrated and comprehensive picture of the individual. These precautions must be borne in mind to have reliable observations.

FAQ’S

Conclusion

In observation, we use two pictures and get a review of these pictures. After this, we should create points that he observes in that picture. The similar points are those in which he thinks about his own life.
Other points observing someone’s laboratory observation is the method in which we observe his behaviour in the laboratory, Structured observation involves observing behaviour in a methodical way under defined conditions, while unstructured observation means observing behaviour without any predetermined conditions in any given situation.