1. OBSERVATION

2. Definition
As a means of gathering data for research, observation may defined as perceiving data through the senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell.

3. Purposes
1.To gather data which are difficult to obtain by other means (like life cycles, social and economic activities, motivations and aspirations and other detailed practices).
2. To verify data obtained by other means.
3. To be able to describe in detail the aspect of a variable being studied.
4. To accurately gather directly first-hand information.
5. To supplement data gathered through experimentation.

4. Types Participant and Non-participant Observation
a. Participant observation
- observer takes active part in the activities of the group being observed
b. Non-participant observation
- observer is a mere bystander observing the group he is studying about

5. Types 2) Structured and unstructured observation
a. Structured observation
- concentrates on a particular aspect or aspects of the variable being observed
b. Unstructured observation
- observer does not hold any list of the items to be observed

6. Types 3) Controlled and Uncontrolled observation
a. Controlled observation
- usually utilized in experimental studies in which the experimental as well as the non-experimental variables are controlled by the researcher
b. Uncontrolled observation
- utilized in natural settings and no control whatsoever is placed upon any variable within the observation area

7. Advantages first hand information
researcher can observe as long and as many times needed
technique in collecting information from non-verbal behavior and inanimate objects
natural settings: exclude artificiality

8. Disadvantages lack of control upon extraneous variables
smaller size of sample
difficult to quantify data for standard tabulation
hard to gain entry into the area to be observed
lack of anonymity

9. Characteristics Specific – “not just looking around”
Systematic - “not just dropping in”
- length of observation periods
- interval between
- numbers are planned
Quantitative – tally of number

10. Characteristics Recorded immediately – ASAP - not through memory
Done by an expert
- expert – valid results
- non-expert – invalid results
Can be checked and verified – by comparing the results of other observers
- cannot always guarantee validity of direct observations

11. Forms of Recording
1. Checklist – contains the items to be observed and a space for number or checkmarks or short verbal entries.
a. Checklist with short verbal entries
b. Checklist that indicates the presence or absence of an item
c. Dichotomous checklist

12. Forms of Recording a. Checklist with short verbal entries
Name of Observed __________________ Date ________
Grade ____ Age ____
Direction: Give a brief description for each item.
1. Type of Activity ______________________________
2. Interest _____________________________________
3. Effort ______________________________________
4. Coordination _________________________________
5. Other factors _________________________________

13. Forms of Recording
b. Checklist that indicates the presence or absence of an item
Name of Observed __________________ Date ________
Grade ____ Age ____
Direction: Give a brief description for each item.
1. Type of Activity ______________________________
2. Interest _____________________________________
3. Effort ______________________________________
4. Coordination _________________________________
5. Other factors _________________________________

14. Forms of Recording c. Dichotomous checklist
Direction: Place a checkmark in the space under Yes if the item is true and place the checkmark under No if the item is not true.
Yes No
1. The type of farming is wet . ______ ______
2. All needed tools are available. ______ ______
3. Work animals are carabaos. ______ ______

15. Forms of Recording
2. Rating Scales - a checklist with an evaluation standard
- the number of categories or subdivisions is indeterminate but
- the minimum number is two.

16. Forms of Recording
Direction: Choose the statement that describes best the behavior or activity and write the number of the phrase o the space provided at the right of the activity.
Never gives up, persistent
Persists until convinced he cannot make it
Gives everything a fair trial
Gives up easily even before a fair trial
Never attempts to try …………………………….. 1
Sports ______
Solving a mathematical problem ______
Memorizing a long poem ______

17. Forms of Recording
3. Anecdotal Forms - a checklist that provides for less breakdown of dimensions or factors and hence, much space is provided for writing.
- Minimizes the use of highly subjective impressions in recording.

18. Forms of Recording
Direction: In the space provide, record observations that bear on the individual’s physical development and social development. Do not evaluate, but describe. Avoid vague words such as good, strong, etc. Enter statement of what happened or what you saw. Date each entry.
Physical Development:
Social Development:

19. Forms of Recording 4. Mechanical Recording
Ex. Motion and still pictures
Sound recording
An odometer
5. Stenographic Recording – used to record the aspects to be observed as fast as they occur.