Participant Observations: Definition, Preconceptions, Characteristics

Abstract

Participant observation is the most widespread of all forms of the investigative, elaborate and systematic observable plan.

Introduction

Observation is either the action of a human being which comprises of obtaining information of the outside world by means of the senses or the recording of information using technical equipment. Any material compiled during this exercise may also be used to refer to this expression. An observation can also be the means of viewing things or perceiving something with attention.

There are restrictions, on the other hand, to how much can be discovered from what people observe. To comprehend fully the qualities of many circumstances, direct involvement in and observation of the occurrence of concern may be the paramount study (Patton, 2002, p.21).

Definition of observation

Observation can be defined or categorized into different forms:

1. recording of accurate incidents and events frequently connecting the computation of some importance by means of suitable tools.
2. it is also an examination or assessment.
3. A definition of observation according to the English dictionary is that it is an act or instance of regarding attentively or watching.

Observation within science

Scientific methods need observations of the natural world so as to compose and examine hypotheses (Galavotti, 2003). It makes up these approaches

1. Inquiring about an accepted process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning
2. observations of a remarkable development
3. Predicting a rational result of a theory
4. Testing a theory by research, observational examination, or evaluation.

Nevertheless, the need for duplication requires that observations by various observers be identical. Human vague ideas of the general conscious awareness are not only performed entirely within the mind but also Involve distinctions based on qualities as a result difficult to record or evaluate. Furthermore, the assessment of observations and recordings through diverse events, brought about, the growth of the initiative of measurement.

Optional definitions of observation

The words “observer” and “observation” in a detailed area of science are specified to consider issues that don’t seem significant in daily observation:

• Relativity: Different observers may observe different values for the length, instance, mass, and another essential attribute of a perceived or observed object depending on the individuals’ speed compared with the object, in view of the fact that relativistic physics deals with velocities close to the speed of light. For that reason, an observation must constantly be qualified by determining the state of activity of the observer.
• Quantum mechanics: This explains the performance of microscopic objects, it is impossible to observe a situation without changing the situation. The “observer” must be regarded as part of the situation that is being experienced. When an observation is made to find out the real position or state of an object, it constantly discovers the object in a distinct state, not a mixture.

1. Preconceptions
2. Observational preconception. An observational preconception suggests itself when scientists only inquire where they presume they will unearth optimistic outcomes, or in a situation or circumstance that is uncomplicated to record observations. This is often referred to as the streetlight phenomenon (David, 2010, p.52).
3. Confirmation preconception. The observer’s cognizant and insentient beliefs and analysis of the world are often mistreated because of the preference for individual observation. Nevertheless, in psychology, this is generally known as confirmation preconception. The object of logical investigation is the unearthing of innovative remarkable development; these preconceptions can and have made innovative and productive insight to be unobserved. An instance is the invention of x-rays. It can also cause mistaken exact support for broadly believed cultural fables, such a scenario is the technological racial discrimination that backed the information of ethnic supremacy at the beginning of the 20th millennium and the introduction of the present and modern-day science. Acceptable precise suggestion highlights cautious noting of observations, by distinguishing investigational observations from the results made from them to reduce observational preconception.
4. Processing preconception. Recent technical tools can comprehensively process observations before they are open to the senses of human beings, and particularly with the aid of mechanized tools. Digitally improved visual representation of an object, scene, person, or abstraction available as new data in manuscripts of methodical academic journals has to turn out to be a subject. The visual representation of an object, scene, or abstraction is improved to reveal features that the investigator intends to highlight thereby having an effect in developing and supporting his findings. Though, this is a type of preconception that is complex to calculate. Several scientific journals have started setting comprehensive models for the kinds of visual representation processing are authorized in research outcomes.

Nevertheless, computerized tools frequently maintain a duplicate of the “unprocessed information” from the sensing element before preparing or putting through a prescribed procedure, which is the final justification against processing preconception. In the same way, scientific criterions necessitate maintenance of the unique unenhanced “unprocessed” descriptions of visual representations of objects used as research information.

Observations in philosophy

Observation in philosophical propositions is the method of flowing sensory data through the reflection course of action. Observation is however, perceived or observed through the process of learning, seeing, feeling, experiencing, or physical contact and then carefully examined and assessed through either sensible or illogical consideration. An example of this, is a situation when a parent strike their youngster; one will observe that such an act may be categorized as either fine or awful (Galavotti, 2003) in line with the observed behaviour or decision making about developing relationships should not be deductions about what is good or bad. With time, feelings stored in the identification about related observations, in common with the resulting correlations and results, allow the individual to put up moral inferences of behaviour.

Characteristic of observation

The important characteristic of observation is that it includes coming up with a conclusions, and structuring personal observations on how to deal with a future condition or situation, instead of simply assuming and accounting that an event or situation has taken place.

However, observation as said by Jiddu Krishnamurti does not inevitably involve coming up with results and constructing personal analysis (Smith, 1999). Rather than the increase of information, and a time-based learning process, an observation can be assessed and categorized as an uninterrupted method of learning, an everlasting method that always take place in the current. However, observation relieves the human knowledge of its condition by neglecting psychological belief on history.

In conclusion, observational information, particularly participant observation, allows the assessment researcher to value a program or treatment to a point not fully achievable by means of only the insights of erstwhile research acquired through interviews (Patton, 2002, p.23). Although, not everything can be openly observed or experienced, thereby making participant observation an exceedingly labour concentrated investigative approach. However, approaches for employing observational methods, includes both participant and nonparticipant approaches.

Reference List

David, H. F. (2010). “The Streetlight Effect”. Discover magazine. Vol:5, pp.52-56.

Galavotti, M. C. (2003). Observation and experiment in the natural and social sciences. The Netherlands. Springer.

Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods. Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE.

Smith, I. (1999). The Transparent Mind: A Journey with Krishnamurti. Ojai, California: Edwin House.