Observation is the one essential ingredient of science. One of the hall marks of the scientific revolution during the 15th ,16th, and 17th centuries was the emphasis placed on empirical observation by such men as Kepler, Galileo, Hook, and Vesalius. Arguments based on empirical observation replaced arguments based on theological dogma and / or Greek philosophy without observation, all science, including psychology, would be an empty shell.
Although the phenomena being observed will be different for each science, the skills observation are a key ingredient of scientific training in any discipline. Indeed, it is my observation that the scientists have very often been keenest observers of nature.
TYPES OF OBSERVATION METHOD
1. Participant observation
2. Non- participant observation
3. Structured observation
4. Unstructured observation
5. Naturalistic observation
6. Indirect observations
7. Direct observations
8. Informal observations
9. Formal observations
10. Subject observations
11. Objective observations
12. Causal observations
13. Scientific observations
14. Natural observations
15. Controlled observation
16. Non- controlled observations
EXPLANATION
Participant Observation: For example, sees the researcher set up. Take part in the observation of behaviour
non-participant observation: Sees no involvement on the part of the researcher, with recording with recordings of observation behaviours being taken from afar.
Naturalistic observation: It provides ecologically valid recordings of natural behaviour. It also spontaneous behaviours are more likely to happen.
Structured observation: It allows control of extraneous variables. It provides a safe environment to study contentious concepts such as infant attachment
Unstructured: gives a broad over view of a situation
Informal observation: Informal observational procedures have played an important role in the development of child psychology. These procedures are considered informal because there is typically no systematic plan for timing the observation nor is there any attempt to verify the reliability of the observations.
Indirect observation: Sometimes it is not possible to directly observe children’s behaviour perhaps it I inefficient to do so in these cases researchers may resort to indirect observations, where the information of interest is obtained from sources other than the child.
Formal Observations: This group of observational methods are those that include systematic observing
Subjective and objective the subject refers to observer while object refers to the activity or type of operation that is being observed.
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