The concept of research is vital to any field of study or expertise. Scholars have since undertaken research and analysis of the data gathered in order to make informed assertions about any subject matter. Research strategies have been classified into either qualitative or quantitative research methods. Qualitative research methods have generally been defined a research that seeks to find data about subject matter that goes beyond simple numerical data. Some of the methods employed by qualitative research include interviews, observation, questionnaires and detailed document analysis. Observation is one of the most common qualitative data collection techniques. This research paper reviews the two classifications of observation, that is, participant observation and non-obtrusive observation methods. The paper will review how each of these methods are applied and the similarities and differences that exists between the two. Additionally, the paper will analyze situation that make each of the strategies preferable over the other.
Observation
The term observation as used in research may have several definitions. One of the definitions that have been forwarded is that observation is the systematic description that captures the events and behaviors of the research subjects . The general concept of observation is a model of study whereby a researcher simply gets the information by either being present and participating with the target subject or just doing so without any involvement with the research subject. In cases where the a researcher takes conceited effort and becoming involved with the research subjects, then such a strategy is referred to as participant observation. There is a second method of observation where a researcher does not participate in the acts and behaviors of the research subject and this kind of research is referred to as non-participant or non-obtrusive observation.
Participant Observation
As earlier stated, participant observation is a method of research where a researcher first develops a rapport with the target subject and learns the normal and natural structures of the subjects. Here a researcher assumes the position of the research subject in order to fully comprehend the intricacies of the target subjects . The idea of participatory observation has been widely employed in anthropology and cultural studies in a general category referred to as ethnographic studies. Early researcher who aimed at understanding the different cultures that were found in different locations of the world largely relied on participant observation in order to gain a deeper understanding of these cultures.
Participant observation is useful in different aspects while undertaking a research. First and perhaps the most important, is that the researcher is able to find a way of getting to nonverbal expressions of feelings that cannot be expressed by other means. It also allows the researcher to understand and grasp how participants communicate and this way more personal manner and this will give the researcher better results than other data gathering strategies.
However, participant observation has been found to have fundamental flaws. The most important problem that has been associated with participant is the lack of objectivity that most researchers seem to exhibit in the results that they obtain from the research. Kaminski, (2004) argues that when a researcher develops a personal rapport with the target, objectivity in gaining valid results is significantly curtailed. These concerns have been expressed in several social studies such as ethnographic studies.
Non-obtrusive Observation
Unlike participant observation, the concept of non-obtrusive observation tries to overcome the human weakness of objectivity and record data about target without elicitation of the information from the subject . Here a researcher simply tries to answer research questions without having to involve the research subjects. This method has been preferred by psychologist when studying the characters of unique personalities such as Alzheimer’s patients or autistic patients.
There are many reasons that have been forwarded in support of non-obtrusive observation methods. Marshall & Batten, (2004 ) argue that participant observation introduces a foreign element in the individual or target community. Thus the social setting under which the research is undertaken is significantly altered and this could have a detrimental effect on the research. Similarly, interviews and questionnaires tend to make the respondents alter their natural behaviors in order to suite the character expected by the researcher. The idea of non-obtrusive has been used to overcome several instance of subjectivity of the researcher by delinking any relation between the target subjects and the researcher.
A major disadvantage that can be associated with non-obtrusive is the lack of rich non-expressible or observable insight that a researcher would otherwise learn through participation. Participation allows a researcher deeper insights into the character and behavior of the target subjects.
Conclusion
Observation is a common method of collecting in research. It allows the researcher to gain qualitative knowledge form which to draw inferences. Participatory observation allows the researcher to take part in the activities of the research target and form that participation that the researcher gains the data for the research. On the other hand, non-obtrusive research is where the researcher has no contact with the research subjects. Both model results in useful data however, as explained in the research each of the methods should be applied in different circumstances.
DeWalt, K. M., & DeWalt, B. R. (2002). Participant observation: a guide for fieldworkers. Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press. .
Kaminski, M. M. (2004). Games Prisoners Play. New York : Princeton University Press.
Marshall, A., & Batten, S. (2004 , September ). Researching across cultures: issues of ethics and power: Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung / Forum: Qualitative Social Research [On-line Journal], 5(3), Art.39. . Retrieved June 14, 2012, from www.qualitative-research.net: http://www.qualitative-research.net/fqs-texte/3-04/04-3-39-e.htm
