Data Collection Analysis Observational data collection involves the gathering of data through what is visually observed in a setting, procedure, or anything in its natural state (Kawulich, 2005). It is most useful in qualitative study and information is gathered through interviews, observation, and data analysis (Kawulich, 2005). Improper or inaccurate decisions can be costly to a company therefore decisions should be considered based on accurate information. Even though this method of data collection generates good information, it has limitations. The exercise routines and habits of members of World Gym Fitness Center in Peachtree City, Georgia, were observed for seven days during the week of May 1, 2017. The observation results determined …show more content…
In addition to these methods, the observations can be overt where the participants are aware that they are being observed, or covert where the participants are unaware of the observation (McLeod, 2015). Controlled observations are also considered structured observations in which the researcher determines where the observation will take place, at what time, determines the participants and circumstances engaged, and utilizes standardized procedures (McLeod, 2015). In naturalistic or unstructured observations, participants’ spontaneous behaviors are observed in their natural surroundings and the researcher notates what is observed (McLeod, 2015). Notes are indicated without the use of predetermined scales or codes. The last method of observation is participant observation, in which participants are observed in natural surroundings however the researcher joins the group of participants to gain increased knowledge of behaviors (McLeod, 2015). Each method has advantages and limitations in gathering the best data …show more content…
This method of observation allows for greater validity in behavior because participants are observed in their natural settings therefore their behaviors are not influenced or disturbed. An additional advantage of this method is that it can assist the researcher in generating new ideas because the entire situation, procedure, or process can be observed (McLeod, 2015). There are also a few disadvantages in the use of this method. Most observations are usually conducted utilizing a small sampling which may lack a true representation of the population (McLeod, 2015). The observation may not have adequate representation of varying ages, genders, social classes, or ethnicity therefore the results may be skewed and narrow. There also exists the possibility that the researcher will invoke bias in recording of results (Evaluation eTA, 2008). Natural observations may provide results that are not conclusive because of the uncontrolled environment which may limit the repetition of the observation in the same manner as the previous one (McLeod, 2015). Another disadvantage of natural observation may depend on the expertise of the researcher. Due to observation being visual, with no hands-on interaction, an inexperienced researcher may not pick up on behaviors or significant situations that need further attention (McLeod, 2015). Lastly, observations do not allow manipulations of
The third day I observed the ducks in the evening. I chose this type of method because I could get multiple observations in a small period of time while focusing on many ducks instead of just one. I made observations based on how the ducks interacted with one other based on the situation the ducks were in. The observation were to support ducks have feelings.
Following the magazine of Understanding Health 4th edition punished in November 2015 that presents local community to whole quantity of the essential of healthfulness methods, analyzing community health, healthiness advancement, communicative consideration of health and main wellness as a method of reaching higher comeliness. It supplies an up to date of significant fresh advancing in explanation feeling and figures recent material on how to catching activity on the communicative consideration of health from any our aim with an importance on the proof for the best health and
Observation allows researchers to experience a specific aspect of social life and get a firsthand look at a trend, institution or behaviour. It promotes good communication skills, improves decision making and enhances awareness.
For this assignment, I decided to observe a fitness center (gym) setting and break the “workout equipment is not a toy” norm. I conducted my observations at my local Anytime Fitness center that I actually frequent. Ironically, I missed my normal workout time that morning and decided to go later in the day. This worked out perfect for the observation because I arrived at around 5:00 pm, the busiest time for the establishment.
Participant observation is a method of collecting information and data about a culture and is carried out by the researcher immersing themselves in the culture they observing. The researcher becomes known in the community, getting to know and understand the culture in a more intimate and detailed way than would be possible from any other approach. This is done by observing and participating in the community’s daily activities. The method is so effective because the researcher is able to directly approach the people in the community in a natural context as opposed to taking the participant out of their environment. The aim of participant observation is to gain an understanding the subject’s life from their perspective, with the purpose of collecting more detailed information about a community’s habits, opinions, relationships and issues.
Bourgois early on states that he utilizes the participant observation method, which is the standard method used by cultural anthropologists that require the researcher to live within a community to study daily activities, he primarily uses this process because he believes it to be more of an effective method than surveys, where lasting relationships cannot be formed, therefore, researchers are unable to ask personal questions
To study a group of people in their natural environment without disturbing or influencing their usual behavior is called naturalistic observation. Consequently,
This essay examines the advantages and disadvantages of using a method primarily for gathering research on human subjects that can be examined for later use. It will give a basic outline of the methods of investigation, their uses and their suitability. I will also look at the scientific method as a whole and examine the criticisms of this method using the writings of Hume and Popper.
Black, Tamara. 2008. Exercise and Fitness in a U.S. Commercial Gym.Ann Arbor, Mich.: University Microfilms International.
The observational method is when researchers use their senses to observe, examine, and record behaviors in a natural setting. This means there is no interruption or manipulation by the researcher. In order to enhance this type of research,
Participant observation is the process enabling researchers to learn about the activities of the people under study in the natural setting through observing and participating in those activities. Observation methods are useful to researchers in a variety of ways. They provide researchers with ways to check for nonverbal expression of feelings, determine who interacts with whom, grasp how participants communicate with each other, and check for how much time is spent on various activities. They suggest that participant observation be used as a way to increase the validity of the study, as observations may help the researcher have a better understanding of the context and phenomenon under study. Validity is stronger with the use of additional strategies used with observation, such as interviewing, document analysis, or surveys, questionnaires, or other more quantitative methods.
The first method to be discussed and analysed are experimental methods. There is a variety of experimental methods including; laboratory, field and natural experiments. These methods are the most scientific method due to them being highly objective and systematic. In addition, this method is regarded as the most powerful research method used in psychology because of the potential to investigate the causes of events and therefore, identifying the cause and effect relationship. When carrying out an experiment the researcher intervenes directly in the situation being investigated. The researcher manipulates an independent variable (IV) in order to investigate whether there is a change in the dependent variable (DV). Any other variables that could have an
Researchers use all sorts of techniques to collect data, ranging from very controlled lab experiments to natural observation. With naturalistic observation the researcher allows behavior to occur without interference or intervention at all. We all do this type of research when we do things like people watch. This is a great way to study behavior in "real settings" and to see behavior occur in its most natural state. The problem is that it's often difficult to study the behaviors you're most interested in without being intrusive.
Observation is essential for psychologists to get to know their clients. Examination consists of learning and understanding the way the client acts and thinks. While observing it is important to take mental notes and be aware of body language to see how the client reacts to certain questions and situations. There are many ways to do this, including case studies, surveys, and naturalistic observation. The case study examines an individual in depth, but often is in need for further study. “We must ask questions and look for answers within several different research methods.” (Plante, 2005) The survey looks at cases in less depth, but is used to estimate outcomes from a group of people. Naturalistic observation notes behavior in a natural environment, yet it does not explain behavior, it describes it. While observing, it is helpful to look for patterns and sequences because as Heffner stated “Order can be found in even the most random data.” (2001) Nevertheless, observation is important because before psychologists can explain what people do, they must first observe what it is that they do.
Data collection is a process by which you receive useful information. It is an important aspect of any type of research, as inaccurate data can alter the results of a study and lead to false hypothesis and interpretations. The approach the researcher utilizes to collect data depends on the nature of the study, the study design, and the availability of time, money and personnel. In addition, it is important for the researcher to determine whether the study is intended to produce qualitative or quantitative information.