There are several types of scientific observation which vary according to the form of approach to the object of study, the number of researchers involved, the structuring of the research or the way of collecting the information.
In all cases, scientific observation will always be characterized by being planned and methodical. It is the first phase of all research.
Scientific knowledge is characterized by coming from observation. All scientific fields support the use of observation as a fundamental tool for collecting data and information.
The 6 most important types of scientific observation
1- Simple or unstructured
Simple scientific observation is one in which the researcher merely describes the data he obtains from his own inquiry.
It is open, but also planned and methodical, and intends to obtain information on a specific fact through observing its natural context.
Simple observation is exercised through the senses of the researcher. This is considered to be a major disadvantage, because observer perception plays a major role in the study, and results may be biased.
In addition, the human senses have limits that can prevent all the edges and approaches of the problem in question.
Given these limitations, unstructured scientific observation should have a methodological basis, including control groups in some cases, to ensure the accuracy of the data obtained.
Simple observation is often the basis of exploratory research.
Example
Investigations that seek to identify consumer behavioral patterns of some product, or habits of potential customers of a specific clothing brand, may be ideal for applying simple observation.
2- Systematic or structured
Systematic scientific observation is based on a more specific structure than simple observation.
In this case, it is already clear what the specific aspects will be observed, which will even be categorized.
This type of observation favors the collection of data related to some phenomenon already identified and operationalized.
In structured scientific observation systems are usually used to account for data collected from research.
Example
Studies that seek to identify the frequency of use of a specific product, or the number of youngsters of a certain age who listen to a particular musical genre, can be approached through systematic scientific observation.
3- Participatory or internal
In the case of participative scientific observation, the observer is completely involved with his object of study.
Through this type of observation it is possible to obtain deep information about what is being investigated.
The researcher has the possibility to investigate more about the characteristics of the object of study, its motivations, ways of acting and other data that can only be known from an intimate approach. This type of observation allows us to capture both objective and subjective elements.
If the researcher is part of the element being investigated, it is considered to be a natural participatory observation.
On the other hand, if the researcher is an entity alien to the object of study, it is an artificial participatory observation.
Participatory observation is open when the object of study knows that it will be observed from nearness.
On the contrary, it is considered closed or disguised when the object of study is completely unknown that will be observed.
Example
Studies on certain indigenous tribes. To know and really understand their ways of doing things, their motivations and their habits, the ideal thing is for the researcher to make a participatory observation.
4- Participatory or external
Non-participatory observation refers to that in which the researcher remains outside the object of study.
This observation can occur directly, through the use of data collection tools, such as surveys or interviews.
It can also be done indirectly, without having any contact with the object of study, but based on other research, archival information such as press articles, academic studies, statistical data, among other resources.
Example
If an investigator wants to know the recreational activities of interest to a particular group of people, he can use the resource of the survey and collect the information provided by the object of study. In this way he would be exercising a non-participatory observation.
5- Individual
In the individual scientific observation a single researcher participates, who has the task to observe carefully the object of study, to record the data collected of said observation and to carry out the subsequent analysis proper to a scientific investigation.
Individual observation can be applied to other types of research. The only condition is that the researcher is a single individual.
This can bring the benefit of streamlining analytical processes and put into practice of some procedures.
On the contrary, the participation of a single person could favor the subjectivity, not having other researchers that generate debate on the problem to investigate.
It is customary to apply this type of observation when the object of study is manageable by a single person. If it is very broad, it requires the participation of more observers.
Example
An investigation that seeks to identify the reason why cats like to get inside boxes can be perfectly performed by a single person, through the individual scientific observation of a control group.
6- Group
In the group scientific observation several researchers intervene, who observe different phases or edges of the object of study and, later, share the results obtained, which are complementary to each other.
Another way to practice group observation is to allow all observers to analyze the same element of the object of study.
After this investigation, the researchers debate to determine which were the data found, thus avoiding subjectivity.
This type of observation is convenient when the object to be studied is very broad.
Example
If you want to do a study of the main writers representing the romanticism, they can investigate several people. Each can handle a specific author or topic.
Or they could all analyze the works and then share the information obtained and the corresponding interpretations.
References
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