Student

CLUSTER TWO QUESTION:
Examine the merits and limitations of the observation method in data collection. Illustrate your answer with suitable example.

WORK PLAN 1.0 INTRODUCTION

2.0 MEANING OF OBSERVATION

3.0 TYPES OF OBSERVATION 3.1 PARCIPANT OBSERVATION 3.2 NON PARTICIPANT
4.0 MERITS OF OBSERVATION IN DATA COLLECTION
5.0 LIMMITATION OF OBSREVATION IN DATA COLLECTION

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Observation is one way to collect primary data observation is purposeful and systematic and selective way of watching and listening to an interaction or phenomenon as it takes place under this section here below there is of meaning observation, types of observation and merits and limitations of observation method in data collection.

2.0 MEANING OF OBSERVATION
Observation is the process whereby a researcher involves him or herself in the group observing in Oder to get information needed in the particular study. Observation method is commonly used in studies relating to behavioral sciences .In way we all observe things around us but this sort of observation is not a scientific observation. Observation becomes a scientific tool and the method of data collection for research when it serves and formulated research purpose is systematically, planned and recorded and is subjective to checks and controls on validity and reliability. Under observation method of collecting data in the field, the information sought way investigators ‘own direct observation without asking from respondent. For example in the study of consumer behavior the Investigator instead of asking the brand of wrist watch used by respondent may he or she look at the watch.

3.0 TYPES OF OBSERVATION
Generally there are two types of observation which includes Participant observation and Non Participant observation depending on the observer involving or less involving in the group that is he or she is observing.

3.1 PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION
Is a type of observation in where researcher participates in activities of the group being observed in the same manner as its members with or without their knowing that they are observed. For example when you may might want to examine the reaction of general population towards people in wheel chairs , You can study their reaction by setting in a wheel chair yourself , Or you might want to study the life of prisoners and pretend to a prisoner in order to get data that you want.

3.2 NON PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION.
Is a type of observation where by a researcher does not get involved in the activities of the group but remain passive observer, Watching, Listening to its activities and drawing conclusions on from this For example you may want to study the function carried out by nurses in hospital, As observer you could watch, follow and record the activities are performed. After the number of observations conclusion could be drawn about the functions of nurses carried out in hospital. Any occupational group in any setting can be observed in same manner.
While using observation method the researcher should keep in mind things like: what should be observed? And how the observations should be recorded? Or how the accuracy of the observation can be insured?.

4.0 MERITS OF OBSERVATION METHOD IN DATA COLLECTION.
Observation as used in data collection it has merits and limitations. The following are the merits of observation method as used in data collection.
It is not complicated way in data collection by either the past behavior or future intentions or attitude since researcher is the observer of the event. And it does not need the researcher abilities in interviewing people so as to get correct answers also there no statistical data like other method. For example sampling it needs statistical presentations.
Independent , from respondent ‘ s willingness to respond and such as is relatively less demanding of active cooperation on the part of the respondents as happens to the case of interview and questionnaire methods . This observation method is particularly suitable in a study which deals with subjects (respondent) who are not capable giving verbal reports of their feelings for one reason or another. Subjective Bias is eliminated, If the observation is done correctly or accurate subject bias may be reduced or eliminated.
Information relation , the information obtained by this data collection is relates directly to what is happening in the observed group, without asking the respondents since they may lie to the researcher hence answers obtained by respondents willingness will be reduced.

5.0 LIMITATIONS OF OBSERVATION METHOD IN DATA COLLECTION.
This method is expensive , this method involves the researcher to observe the information in the field b hence it require travelling if the researched group is not found in the researcher area , also it require recording material and for science fields involves laboratory experiments hence it is expensive.
Interference, sometimes unforeseen factors may interfere the observational task. At times the fact that some people are rarely accessible directly observation creates obstacle for this method to collect data effectively.
Individual can change behavior, as it known that dealing with the human being is difficult issue since when someone aware that is observed by somebody can change his behavior hence such change may hinder researcher to get relevant information since the group will be pretending.
The interpretation may vary, not all researchers will interpret the observed results equally hence using this method interpretation drawn from observation may vary from observer to observer.
Weather condition may hinder, for example if the researcher is new to a certain weather including too much coldness and hotness may hinder the researcher to get required information.

REFERENCES
Kothari, C.R (2004), Research Methodology, Methods and Techniques Revised 2nd Ed, New Delhi India.
Magigi, W (2013), Methodological Tools for Researching and Scientific Writing in Emerging Economies , Thrust Publication Ltd, Dar Es salaam , Tanzania
Magigi, W and I sack Kazungu (2012 ), How to Write Research Report, A guide Through its Mystery and Perplexity in Higher Learning Institution, Thrust Publication Ltd, Dar Es salaam Tanzania.

References: Kothari, C.R (2004), Research Methodology, Methods and Techniques Revised 2nd Ed, New Delhi India. Magigi, W (2013), Methodological Tools for Researching and Scientific Writing in Emerging Economies , Thrust Publication Ltd, Dar Es salaam , Tanzania Magigi, W and I sack Kazungu (2012 ), How to Write Research Report, A guide Through its Mystery and Perplexity in Higher Learning Institution, Thrust Publication Ltd, Dar Es salaam Tanzania.