Summary of the observational study
The study that is involve was done using the direct and indirect observation methods. Direct observation encompasses an evaluation of an actual occurrence or behavior, while indirect observation involves a study about the result of such behavior or occurrence (sciencebuddies.org). To present the background of this study, the discussion will focus on the topic showing how motivation affects the employees’ ability to create a productive workplace. Direct observation will be conducted to employees who are motivated while indirect observation focuses on the effects of such motivated behavior.
It was stated that the factors affecting the development of motivation are essential for the success of both the employees and the organization. The study that was conducted was supported by different theoretical model, which pertain to the impact, development, and relationship between motivational factors and productivity.
Evaluation of the information collected
Based on the collected information, motivation plays essential role in the success or failure of the organization. Employees are viewed as important assets of the company, to which the leaders must take care of. According to Ramlall (2004), there are various factors that contribute to the increase of employee motivation. It includes employee’s feel of having a personal responsibility for the job’s outcome, work experience is viewed by employee as meaningful, and employee’s awareness about him or her being effective in converting the effort as performance. These gathered pieces of information are supported by various theories that all related to the employees’ motivational behavior. Thus, the information collected holds credibility based on the resources that supported the idea of the study. Therefore, the information are indeed valid and reliable.
Positive and Negative aspects of Observational Data
In the direct and indirect observation method, there are various positive and negative aspects that encompass in the application of such approach. The observational research, observations are normally flexible, which needs no necessary structure around the hypothesis (University of Washington, n.d.). For example, prior to the development of a well-structured research, the researchers may observe first in order for them to build their research question.
In relation to this study, researchers may observe a specific workplace about how employees are motivated and how it affects their job. By then, they would be able to formulate a research question in relation to their study. On the other hand, one of the negative aspects of this observational data would be the generalizability and reliability. For instance, how the observed data can be replicated, as it can be time-consuming to observe the same behavior repeatedly. Thus, the generalizability would create a problem about the findings if they are the same for other individuals, in other locations, and in other periods.
Correlation of Information and personal experience
The information gathered in this study can be one of the most usual data, which can be obtained in many workplaces. The topic of motivation in different workplaces can be one of the most common studies done for many years. Knowing how the leaders and managers motivate their subordinates is achievable by looking at the various workplace situations. Thus, understanding how these behaviors affect the organization and the workers’ productivity can be supported by the outcomes after the observation. To reiterate the information gathered, an employee would feel motivated if he is aware that the effort he exerted made had a major contribution to the company’s success.
In relation to the personal experience, observing a specific scenario gives an idea about the topic being studied. It is presumably correct that observational study consumes more time in order to develop an idea that will support my hypothesis. However, it is understandable that this is one of the characteristics of observational study, which researchers must be aware of. Observing an occurrence or behavior needs not only the researcher’s time, but also the broad understanding of different possible outcomes, such as dissimilar effects of series of observations. This is especially when observing an occurrence that involves two separate places and indifferent individuals.
Final Analysis Recommendation
Using observational data, researchers must be ready when it comes to providing considerable amount of time to complete the observation. Although it is a time-consuming approach, one must be able to capture the useful parts of the observation process, from which the hypothesis can be drawn from. This normally goes to various qualitative research that may require undivided focus when it comes to observing an occurrence or behavior. Unlike the statistically-supported information, data gathered through observational studies may no longer be available if observations will be repeated. That is why, it is important that when using the observational data, only those that will contribute to the research are the ones that must be obtained. Otherwise, there is a possibility that there will be lots of information that are not necessary for development of the research’s conclusive idea. Furthermore, the researcher must be aware of different considerations, such as establishing rapport, ethics, choosing key informants, and the overall process of conducting an observation.
References
Ramlall, S. (2004). A Review of Employee Motivation Theories and their Implications for Employee Retention within Organizations. The Journal of American Academy of Business, Cambridge, 52-63.
Science Buddies. (n.d.). Designing an Observation Study. Retrieved from http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/Soc_observation.shtml
