Understanding Observation: Types and Techniques

Observation: Concepts and Features

Observation is an inherent part of human nature, integrated into our psychology in relation to everyday events. It involves the perception of a phenomenon that is selected and recorded without manipulation, making the observer a passive witness of what has occurred.

Observation can vary in its degree of systematization, ranging from casual observation to those that adhere to strict methodological criteria.

Observation becomes a scientific technique when it meets the following criteria:

• It is part of an objective investigation.
• It is stated and recorded systematically.
• It is subject to checks and controls regarding validity and reliability.

Types of Observation

Self-Observation

Self-observation occurs when the observer observes themselves, regardless of the observation and recording procedure employed. Some types of self-observation include:

• Self-Registration and Self-Observation: These methods allow the subject to be their own observer. They help record behavior, overcoming memory biases or difficulties in expressing what happened during a specific time in an interview. Self-registration can lead to self-observation. Self-registration is a useful technique for initiating changes in behaviors that are considered undesirable.
• Diaries: Diaries are characterized by their intimate and non-transferable nature. They are one of the most reliable means of regularly monitoring an individual's life, listing the most relevant and significant events for the subject, even if done in an unstructured and informal manner. An advantage is that daily preparation leads to higher fidelity when transcribing the facts.
• Letters: Letters are expressions of informal relationships between individuals, providing diverse information alongside other biographical material. To avoid partial information, it is necessary to know the information exchanged from both sides.
• Autobiographies: An autobiography is a story that the author creates about themselves. It can be defined as a retrospective narrative a real person makes about their own life, particularly focusing on the history of their experiences and personality. From an observational perspective, this type of record offers a wealth of relevant data about a subject's life, including both psychological and physical traits of their actions.
• Life Stories and Life Histories: Life stories are biographical narratives that relate to a subject's life and how they have lived it. In contrast, life histories are studies related to a person that include not only their life stories but also interviews with people from their social environment and any other document that enables a more comprehensive and objective reconstruction of their biography.

Systematic Observation

Systematic observation is a deliberate and systematic procedure in which behavior is recorded, encoded, and analyzed. In this type of research, the researcher knows which aspects of the activity are relevant to their work and, therefore, can develop methodological criteria and a record of observations before data collection.

Types of Sampling

• Continuous Temporal Sampling: The observer records the event throughout its duration. It is used when events are of short duration.
• Point Sampling: The observer records what is happening at specific intervals. It is used for long-term events.
• Interval Sampling: This is used for behaviors that occur during a short period.
• Event Sampling: The observer records a behavior based on the presence of another.

Annotation and Recording Systems

Annotations refer to the way in which observed behaviors will be recorded. The record is a representation of reality by the observer using certain codes. To record information, one must consider the formulated research problem, the proposed objectives, the context surrounding the phenomenon, and the nature of the phenomenon itself.