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Method of observation
Another method of data collection is observation. In some cases the most reliable method can be observation. A researcher can not always rely on people s opinions, answers and self-evaluation, and in order to understand the real situation, it is better to come and see it with your own eyes. But before doing it, a researcher has to decide what his observational variables are. There are three kinds of them: descriptive, when a researcher describes every detail without any interpretation; inferential, can be used if a researcher wants to observe some process, such as explanation of new material, ie how a teacher behaves, voice, words and etc; and the last one is evaluative, the same approach as in inferential observation but then some evaluation must be done.order to make a good observation, several points of interested can be chosen, but physically a researcher can not concentrate on all of them, that is why four main stages of recording are identified: duration, the main question for this part is how long ...; frequency-count, here attention needs to be paid or how often ...; interval , the aim of this stage is individual s behavior during certain intervals of time; continuous stage requires the writing of so-called protocol of everything what is going on the certain moment.the process of observation starts it is necessary to know what kind of recording procedure will be used. It is possible to use some standard forms which were designed by some researchers before and it will save time. But if none of the standard form suits or because of other reasons, a researcher can develop his own form. It is also possible to train some people who will do observation as well. This practice has two advantages: first it will save time on data collection and second if several people are involved in the observation, the data then will be more objective and reliable. In order to have some assistances, before the procedure starts, they need to be trained, explained how to work with observation form and better practice the procedure in a similar situation.are some typical mistakes, called observer effects, made during the observation which are better to be avoided.
. Effect of the observer to the observed. It is natural that people behave differently if there is a person who observes them. In order to avoid observing wrong behavior, it is recommended to come and visit the place and people or students several time, before the procedure begins. During that time participants will get used to a researcher and in few days will act normally. Sometimes if a researcher wants to evaluate the work of a particular teacher, it is better not to say the real aim of the study, ...
