Systematic observation. Depending on control elements

Depending on the conditions in which scientific research takes place, there are two general approaches to observing and describing behavior. During natural, or field, observation researchers penetrate the everyday environment by observing and recording people's behavior while adopting an attitude of maximum non-intervention. During laboratory observation researchers create situations under their control aimed at awakening the target

The eighth stage of a person’s life journey is middle adulthood.

Chapter 1. Perspectives and methods of research 37

behavior (of interest to them). Let's take a hypothetical situation as an example. Let's say that researchers are interested in children's cooperative play and how they share (or don't share) toys with each other. After videotaping children's play and developing clear, agreed upon definitions of the behaviors they are interested in, observers independently record examples of these behaviors. They then compare their results with those of their peers to eliminate as much error and subjectivity as possible. As a result, scientists get an objective picture of the target behavior as it occurs in natural conditions, rather than the behavior that would occur in “artificial” conditions created in the laboratory.

But will they get this picture? Apart from the practical difficulties (the target behavior may never occur), there is a real possibility that the mere presence of an observer - especially with a camera - changes the true state of affairs. Perhaps even the youngest children, in the presence of an adult watching them, change the nature of their play. It is possible to observe children from some form of cover or ambush, or through one-way mirrors, but such devices are often ineffective or inaccessible. It is even more difficult to conduct non-participant observations with older children and adults, since they are more self-aware. In addition, there are potential ethical questions here: what if, during observation, one child starts beating another after arguing over a toy? Should the observer intervene and possibly ruin the entire day's work? However, if such difficulties can be overcome, field observation will prove to be a very useful method for extracting a large amount of information about how people behave in real life.

In laboratory settings, various techniques are used to initiate the behavior being studied and then observe it under highly controlled conditions. An example of a laboratory observation is the classic Strange Situation Test, developed by Mary Ainsworth and Bell (1970) to study the attachment relationship between a mother and her infant (see Chapter 6). Each infant tested experienced the same events, occurring in the same order: a stranger enters the room, the mother leaves the room and returns, the stranger leaves the room and returns. The researchers recorded the child's reactions as they observed them through a one-way mirror. Contrast these conditions with what might happen if you tried to study this behavior in a random field setting, such as someone's home. In this case, you would have to wait quite a long time to see what the child does when a stranger appears nearby, and it would be almost impossible to make the observation not included.

But do babies actually behave exactly the same in a laboratory environment that simulates a home as they do in their real home? It is possible that this is what happens in the unfamiliar situation test, but this may not apply to all behaviors or conditions. There is no way to be absolutely sure of this. Thus, there is always a trade-off between field and laboratory research, and each of these approaches has its advantages

38 Part I. Beginning

and cons. When interpreting developmental research, it is always necessary to take into account the conditions in which it was conducted and evaluate the results accordingly.

Page 1

Systematic monitoring of equipment consumption makes it possible to determine the volume and structure of consumption. Mass and serial production is characterized by repeatability of consumption. But even in the conditions of small-scale and individual production, an approximate calendar calculation of consumption and identification of its frequency are possible due to the repeatability of standard work performed by groups of equipment and the repeatability of the use of standardized equipment. Repeatability makes it possible to make a calendar calculation of consumption. Such calculations should serve as the basis for determining the size of the required stocks for predetermined periods of time and for the timely issuance of orders in order to renew stocks and maintain them at the required level. This method of consumption planning makes it possible to organize the preparation of equipment using the method of creating inventories and is called the maximum-minimum system.

Systematic observations of atmospheric air pollution are carried out throughout the year according to full, incomplete and reduced programs. Observations under the full program are carried out daily at 1, 7, 13 and 19 hours and include measuring the content of harmful substances established for each post by the State Supervision authorities. This type of observation involves monitoring the main and most specific pollutants.

Systematic observations of parts failures during long-term bench tests and in operation, research into the causes, led to the conclusion that most failures occur due to metal fatigue caused by high stresses and temporary overloads.

Systematic monitoring of the aging of materials is carried out according to a program of detailed research analysis of materials that have been in working condition under load for a long time. The purpose of the analysis is to detect early signs of incipient failures in order to have more time to prevent a crisis condition and to take both quick and long-term corrective measures. The results obtained from systematic monitoring of the aging of materials are provided to designers in the form of recommendations.

Systematic monitoring of the condition of the surfaces subject to slagging and their timely blowing; it is necessary to carry out blowing when the slag is still in a weakly cemented state, since the fused slag cannot be removed by blowing. In the absence of stationary blowers, blowing is carried out with compressed air using a gas pipe with a diameter of 20 - 25 mm and a rubber hose connected to the compressed air network. For fuels that do not contain sulfur, deglazing using water is possible; At the Ural power plants, the engineer's apparatus became widespread.

Systematic observations of carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere show its increase over recent decades. Meanwhile, it is well known that carbon dioxide acts in the atmosphere like glass in a greenhouse: it transmits solar radiation and does not transmit back the infrared (thermal) radiation of the Earth and thereby creates the so-called greenhouse effect.

Systematic observations of the content of hydrogen sulfide in the gas of the field have been carried out at the compressor station for many years. It has been established that its content, having reached a maximum from 1984 to 1989 - 1990, is gradually decreasing. As a working hypothesis to explain the nature of changes in the concentration of hydrogen sulfide, the assumption of its biogenic origin was accepted. If the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in oil gas is associated with the process of sulfate reduction in the bottomhole zones of injection wells, then there should be a correlation between the volumes of water injection and its concentration in the produced gas.

Systematic monitoring of the state of objects and processes is called monitoring. The systematic nature of observations consists not only of continuity, but also of tracking certain parameters and within a limited geographical framework.

Systematic observations of the student’s activities, recorded in the card, allow us to accumulate information about him necessary to characterize his practical preparedness for social activities in the future and the degree of his social activity at the university.

Systematic observations of the hydrogen sulfide content in the gas of the field have been carried out at the compressor station for many years. It has been established that its content, having reached a maximum from 1984 to 1989 - 1990, is gradually decreasing. As a working hypothesis to explain the nature of changes in the concentration of hydrogen sulfide, the assumption of its biogenic origin was accepted. If the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in oil gas is associated with the process of sulfate reduction in the bottomhole zones of injection wells, then there should be a correlation between the volumes of water injection and its concentration in the produced gas.

Systematic observations carried out by Cambridge radio astronomers, led by File, formed the basis for theoretical research.

Systematic observations of the operation of the well, repairs carried out and changes in the operating mode must be regularly recorded in special journals and reports.

Systematic monitoring of the chemical composition of fresh surface and groundwater has been carried out since the late 70s through periodic (2 times a year) sampling and analysis.

Systematic observations of the operation of wells and repairs and changes carried out in it should be carefully recorded. The availability of data on the operation of a well under certain conditions and on the effect of certain activities carried out in this well can serve as initial material in establishing the optimal mode of both this well and other wells located in similar conditions.

Systematic observations of the activity, chemical composition and level regime of groundwater must be carried out not only near sources of radioactive contamination (in particular, in the area of LSK Radon solid radioactive waste storage facilities), but also in areas covering the main directions of development (distribution) of migration flows. In these directions, it is advisable to compact the network of observation wells. The density of the network and the frequency of observations as a whole should become rarer as one moves away from the sources of pollution.

Observation is the oldest method of knowledge. Its primitive form - everyday observations - is used by every person in everyday practice. By registering the facts of the surrounding social reality and his behavior, a person tries to find out the reasons for certain actions and actions. But everyday observations are random, unorganized and unplanned, in contrast, scientific observation is associated with direct, immediate perception of events or participation in them, a psychologist perceives what is happening, analyzes and explains people’s behavior, connects it with the characteristics of operating conditions, remembers and generalizes events, which he becomes an eyewitness.

Social psychological observation, as a method of collecting scientific information, is always directed, systematic, direct tracking and recording of significant social phenomena, processes, and events. It serves certain cognitive purposes and can be subject to control and verification.

Observation is mediated by research goals that determine the subject of observation and the area of facts that are included in the reality being studied. It is also mediated by theoretical ideas about the reality being studied and put forward cognitive hypotheses. Observation is characterized by an essential feature: the theoretical ideas of the researcher are included not only in the explanation of the observed, but also in the observation process itself, in the very description of the observed.

The observation method is used in social psychology when studying the behavior of individuals and groups in work and social and political life, in the sphere of leisure, and when studying a wide variety of forms of communication between people. Observation as a method of collecting sociological information is used in various circumstances:

Firstly, in order to obtain preliminary material to clarify the directions of the planned research. Observation carried out for such purposes expands the vision of the phenomenon being studied, helps to identify significant situations, and determines the “actors”. Moreover, unbiased, professionally carried out observation is fruitful because it opens up previously unknown layers, “slices” of social reality for the researcher, giving him the opportunity to move away from the traditional understanding of the social problem facing him.

Secondly, the observation method is used when it is necessary to obtain illustrative data. They, as a rule, significantly “revive” and make visible a somewhat dry analysis of statistics or the results of a mass survey.

Thirdly, observation acts as the main method of obtaining primary information. If the researcher has this goal, then he needs to correlate the positive and negative aspects of the method.

Thus, observation is used when minimal interference in natural behavior and relationships between people is required, when they strive to obtain a holistic picture of what is happening.

Observation can be carried out directly by the researcher, or through observation devices and recording of its results. These include audio, photo, video equipment, and special surveillance maps.

Observation can be:

1. Direct and indirect;

2. External and internal;

3. Included (which can be open and closed) and not included;

4. Direct and indirect;

5. Continuous and selective (according to certain parameters);

6. Field (in everyday life) and laboratory.

By systematicity

- Non-systematic observation

In which it is necessary to create a generalized picture of the behavior of an individual or group of individuals under certain conditions and the goal is not to record causal dependencies and give strict descriptions of phenomena.

- Systematic observation

Conducted according to a specific plan and in which the researcher records behavioral characteristics and classifies environmental conditions.

Non-systematic observation is carried out during field research. Result: creation of a generalized picture of the behavior of an individual or group under certain conditions. Systematic observation is carried out according to a specific plan. Result: registration of behavioral characteristics (variables) and classification of environmental conditions.

For fixed objects:

- Continuous observation

The researcher tries to record all behavioral features.

- Selective observation

The researcher records only certain types of behavioral acts or behavior parameters.

about the form of observation

· Mindful observation

Unconscious internal observation

Unconscious external observation

Environmental monitoring

Mindful observation.

The person being watched knows that he is being watched. Such observation is carried out in contact between the researcher and the subject, and the observed person is usually aware of the research task and the social status of the observer. However, there are cases when, due to the specifics of the study, the observed person is told that the goals of observation are different from the original ones. The need for such actions gives rise to ethical problems, including regarding the conclusions drawn.

This form of observation is chosen based on expediency, that is, when its use is justified by the objectives of the study, since it has significant drawbacks.

Disadvantages: the influence of the observer on the behavior of the observed; because of this, the results can only be considered in relation to the situation in which they were obtained. Several observations need to be made

Features: the observer directly influences the actions and behavior of the observed, which, if the observation is carried out incorrectly, can greatly affect its results. Observed subjects, for psychological reasons, may try to pass off false behavior as their usual behavior, or simply become embarrassed and give free rein to their emotions. The situation when the subject is under observation may be close to stressful for him, and the results of such observation cannot be extended, for example, to his daily life. Also, the actions of both the observer and the observed can be influenced by the degree of familiarity with each other.

The specificity of situations in which direct (conscious) observation occurs leads to the fact that conclusions from such observations are very difficult to correctly generalize to other situations, and not just to the specific situation in which the observation procedure took place.

Unconscious internal observation

With unconscious internal observation, the observed subjects do not know that they are being observed, and the researcher-observer is inside the observation system and becomes part of it (for example, when a psychologist infiltrates a hooligan group and does not report the purposes of his infiltration in order to obtain the most objective information about its activities). The observer is in contact with the observed subjects, but they are not aware of his role as an observer.

This form of observation is especially suitable for studying the social behavior of small groups, while the presence of the observer is considered natural, and the fact that his role is to observe, being unknown to the observed subjects, does not affect their actions. This form of observation also raises some ethical questions about the limits of its use, since the psychologist sometimes has to infiltrate a group through deception or concealment of the truth.

Disadvantage: difficulty recording results; the observer may be involved in a conflict of values.

Features: the fact that observation is being carried out does not affect the observed subjects due to the fact that they are not aware of it. Also, the observer has a wide scope for obtaining information due to the possibility of direct contact with the observed subjects.

However, the observer may have difficulties with directly recording the results, including because direct recording may unmask the observer. Also, during close contacts with the observed, the observer may lose neutrality and adopt the value system of the group being studied. A conflict between the value systems of this group and the value system adhered to by the observer is also possible (the so-called “conflict of norms”).

This form of observation was especially widely used in the second half of the 20th century by US psychologists. The use of this method caused (and still causes) discussions regarding the admissibility of such studies. One of the most famous cases of its application can be considered the study of Leon Festinger, who developed the theory of cognitive dissonance. To test his theory, he and a group of observers joined a religious group for several weeks, which predicted a specific date for the end of the world (which was supposed to occur in a few weeks). The end of the world did not occur, and the researchers received confirmation of the theory of cognitive dissonance, as most group members began to convince themselves that their activities prevented the disaster

Unconscious external observation.

With unconscious external observation, the observed subjects do not know that they are being observed, and the researcher conducts his observations without coming into direct contact with the object of observation (for example, the observer may be hidden from the observed behind a one-sided transparent wall).

This form of observation is convenient in that the researcher does not constrain the behavior of the observed and does not provoke acts of their behavior that would correspond to the goals of his research, that is, it allows him to collect fairly objective data about people’s behavior.

Features: with this form of observation, the presence of the researcher in the role of observer is not recorded by the observed, thereby reducing the impact on the naturalness of their actions. It is also possible to use technical and other means to facilitate the recording of data and the progress of the study. Another incomparable advantage is that a tired observer can be quietly replaced by another observer.

However, at the same time, the observer is limited in his actions by the place of observation; he can only have access to part of the contextual situation in which behavioral acts are performed; he cannot influence unforeseen events without thereby disrupting the course of the study.

Environmental observation.

In this form of observation, the researcher studies the environmental conditions of the observed that influence his behavior. It attempts to draw conclusions about how external factors determine the actions of an individual or group of individuals.

By methods of organization.

Field observation

is carried out in conditions natural to the life of the observed “subject”, and its requirement is the absence of initiation on the part of the observer of the phenomena being studied. Field observation makes it possible to study the natural forms of life activity and communication of people (or other “objects” of observation) with minimal distortion, but its disadvantage is that it is very labor intensive, and also that the situation of interest to the researcher is difficult to control; observation here is often expectant and unsystematic. Situations arise when individual members of the observed group fall out of sight of the observer, or external circumstances make it difficult to record what is happening.

In situations where high care and detail in the description of observed processes are required, technical means of recording are used (tape recorder, photo, film, television equipment). When the task of developing and experimentally testing a new technique is set, they use laboratory observation form

Thus, in a specially equipped classroom, classes can be held to develop management skills, etc.

Stages of observational research (Scheme 1):

Scheme 1. Stages of observational research

The main task of the researcher at the stage of organizing observation is to determine in which acts of behavior, accessible to observation and recording, the psychological phenomenon or property of interest to him is manifested, and to select the most significant signs that most fully and reliably characterize it. The selected characteristics of behavior and their codifiers constitute the so-called “observation scheme”

In the research of social psychologists, the observation scheme of R. Bales is popular, which is a system of categories of interaction between people in a group. An elementary act of interaction can be considered situations in which, after the action of one person, another person changed his actions. The interaction of people in a small group can be expressed in both verbal and non-verbal forms. This was reflected in the content of the categories of R. Bales’ methodology. There are 12 of them in total and they can be divided into four groups: A and D – positive and negative emotions, B and C – messages and questions (Scheme 2):

	characteristic
positive social-emotional area	Expressing solidarity, raising the status of another person, providing assistance, rewarding
	Relief of emotional stress, joke, laughter, expression of satisfaction
	Consent, passive acceptance, understanding the impact, compliance
task area - neutral	Offering advice, direction of thought, while maintaining the partner's autonomy
	Expressing your opinion, evaluating, analyzing, expressing feelings, desires
	Orientation of group members, information, repetition, clarification
task area - neutral	Please guide, provide information, repeat, confirm
	Please provide an opinion, evaluate, analyze, express feelings
	Question, request for direction, possible course of action
negative socio-emotional domain	Objection, passive rejection of influence, refusal to help
	Expression of emotional stress, request for help, evasion (retreat “from the battlefield”)
	Manifestation of antagonism, undermining the status of another, self-defense, solicitation of one’s recognition

6-7 – orientation problem;

5-8 – problem of assessment, opinions;

4-9 – control problem

3-10 – problems of finding solutions;

2-11 – problems of overcoming tension;

1-12 – integration problem

M. Bityanova proposes a modified scheme in which the Bales parameters are preserved, but changes in the behavior of a person or the interaction of a group of people over a certain time are recorded. In this case, the table displays the circuit parameters vertically and the time intervals horizontally (Scheme 3):

Scheme 3. Bales observation scheme in the interpretation of M. Bityanova

The sphere of positive (and mixed) emotions

Scope of problem posing

The sphere of negative (and mixed) emotions

Problem Solving Scope

Agrees

Relieves tension

Shows friendliness

Requests information

Asks for an opinion

Requests proposals

Doesn't agree

Acts tense

Shows unfriendliness

Gives information

Expresses opinions

Makes proposals

Non-verbal communication

Verbal communication

The use of Bales' scheme provides material that can be successfully used in counseling, training and development work with both a specific person and a group. After gaining experience in using the scheme, the results of observation can replace other cumbersome and unnatural procedures. For example, testing.

Advantages of the observation method:

· Observation allows you to directly capture and record acts of behavior;

· Observation allows you to simultaneously capture the behavior of a number of individuals in relation to each other or to certain tasks, objects, etc.;

· Observation allows research to be carried out regardless of the readiness of the observed subjects;

· Observation allows you to achieve multidimensional coverage, that is, recording in several parameters at once - for example, verbal and non-verbal behavior;

· Efficiency of obtaining information;

· Relative cheapness of the method.

Disadvantages of the observation method

· Numerous irrelevant, interfering factors;

· Observation results may be affected by:

The mood of the observer;

The social position of the observer in relation to the observed;

Observer bias (The distortion of the perception of events is greater, the more the observer strives to confirm his hypothesis);

Complexity of observed situations;

Observer fatigue (As a result, the observer stops noticing important changes, makes mistakes when making notes, etc., etc.);

Adaptation of the observer to what is happening (As a result, the observer ceases to notice important changes, makes mistakes when making notes, etc., etc.);

Modeling errors.

· The one-time occurrence of observed circumstances, leading to the impossibility of making a general conclusion based on single observed facts;

· The need to classify observation results;

· The need for large resource costs (time, human, material);

· Low representativeness for large general populations;

· Difficulty in maintaining operational validity;

· Errors in assessments, A.A. Ershov (1977) identifies the following typical observation errors:

First impression error (The first impression of an individual determines the perception and assessment of his further behavior),

- “hallo effect” (the generalized impression of the observer leads to a rough perception of behavior, ignoring subtle differences),

- “effect of leniency” (Tendency to always give a positive assessment of what is happening),

Error of Central Tendency (Fear of extreme judgments, the observer tends to make a diligent assessment of observed behavior),

Correlation error (An assessment of one behavioral characteristic is given on the basis of another observed characteristic (intelligence is assessed by verbal fluency)),

Contrast error (The tendency of the observer to highlight features in the observed that are opposite to their own).

The American Psychological Association's Code of Ethics permits observations provided that certain rules are followed and certain precautions are taken. Here are some of them:

If the research is conducted in a public place, obtaining informed consent from participants is not considered necessary. Otherwise, it is necessary to obtain their consent.

Psychologists should do everything possible to avoid harm to research participants and, if it cannot be avoided, to reduce the expected harm.

Psychologists should minimize intrusions into privacy.

Psychologists do not disclose confidential information about participants in their studies.

Professional deformation of the teacher’s personality
A teacher in Ancient Greece (ancient Greek παιδαγωγός, “leading a child”) is a slave, whose care in Athenian families was entrusted to boys from the age of six. The responsibility of the teacher was to protect the pupil from physical and moral dangers, and before the boy entered school...

Temperament. Psychophysiological characteristics of a person
Temperament is a set of properties that characterize the dynamic features of the course of mental processes and human behavior, their strength, speed, occurrence, cessation and change. The properties of temperament can only be considered conditionally among the actual personal qualities of a person; they rather constitute his individual characteristics...

Applications
Appendix 1 Life Style Index (LSI) Read the following statements. These statements describe feelings that a person USUALLY experiences or actions that he USUALLY performs. If the statement does not suit you, put an “x” in the section marked “No”. If the statement matches you, put an “x” in the space...

Observation -descriptivepsychological research method, which consists of a purposeful and organized perception and registration behavior studied object. Observation is an organized, purposeful, recorded perception of mental phenomena for the purpose of studying them under certain conditions.

Together with introspection observation is considered the oldest psychological method. Scientific observation has become widely used since the end 19th century, in areas where recording the characteristics of human behavior in various conditions is of particular importance - in clinical,social,educational psychology,developmental psychology, and from the beginning XX century- V occupational psychology.

Observation is used where intervention experimenter will disrupt the process of human interaction with the environment. This method is indispensable when it is necessary to obtain a holistic picture of what is happening and reflect the behavior of individuals in its entirety.

The main features of the observation method are: - direct connection between the observer and the observed object; - bias (emotional coloring) of observation; - difficulty (sometimes impossibility) of repeated observation. Under natural conditions, the observer, as a rule, does not influence the process (phenomenon) being studied. In psychology there is a problem of interaction between the observer and the observed. If the subject knows that he is being observed, then the presence of the researcher influences his behavior. The limitations of the observation method gave rise to other, more “advanced” methods of empirical research: experiment and measurement .

The object of observation is what can be seen

Verbal behavior

Duration of speech
Speech intensity

Nonverbal behavior

Expression of face, eyes, body,
Expressive movements

Movement of people

Distance between people

Physical effects

That is, the object of observation can only be that which can be objectively recorded. Thus, the researcher does not observe the properties psyche, it registers only those manifestations of the object that are available for recording. And only based on assumptions that the psyche finds its manifestation in behavior, a psychologist can build hypotheses about mental properties based on data obtained during observation.

Surveillance equipment

Classification of observations

Observation is a purposeful, organized and recorded perception of the object being studied in a certain way. The results of recording observation data are called a description of the object's behavior. Observation is used when it is either impossible or impermissible to interfere with the natural course of the process. It can be: 1. Direct and indirect, 2. External and internal, 3. Included (which can be open and closed) and not included, 4. Direct and indirect, 5. Continuous and selective (according to certain parameters), 6. Field (in everyday life) and laboratory.

According to systematicity they distinguish

Non-systematic observation, in which it is necessary to create a generalized picture of the behavior of an individual or group of individuals under certain conditions and does not aim to record causal dependencies and give strict descriptions of phenomena.
Systematic observation, carried out according to a specific plan and in which the researcher records behavioral characteristics and classifies environmental conditions.

Non-systematic observation is carried out during field research (used in ethnopsychology, developmental psychology, social psychology). Result: creation of a generalized picture of the behavior of an individual or group under certain conditions. Systematic observation is carried out according to a specific plan. Result: registration of behavioral characteristics (variables) and classification of environmental conditions.

Observation is opposed to experiment. This opposition is based on two points:

Passivity of the observer- the observer does not change the surrounding reality.

Immediacy- the observer records in the protocol what he sees.

By fixed objects

Continuous observation. The researcher tries to record all behavioral features.

Selective observation. The researcher records only certain types of behavioral acts or behavior parameters .

According to the observation form

Mindful Observation

Unconscious internal observation

Unconscious external observation

Environmental observation

Mindful Observation

With conscious observation the observed person knows that he is being observed. Such observation is carried out in contact between the researcher and subject, and the observed person is usually aware of the research problem and social status observer. However, there are cases when, due to the specifics of the study, the observed person is told that the goals of observation are different from the original ones. The need for such actions gives rise to ethical problems, including regarding the conclusions drawn.

This form of observation is chosen based on expediency, that is, when its use is justified by the objectives of the study, since it has significant drawbacks.

Peculiarities

The observer directly influences the actions and behavior of the observed, which, if the observation is carried out incorrectly, can greatly affect its results. Observed subjects, for psychological reasons, may try to pass off false behavior as their usual behavior, or simply become embarrassed and give free rein to their emotions. The situation when the subject is under surveillance may be close to stressful, and the results of such observation cannot be extended, for example, to his everyday life. Also, the actions of both the observer and the observed can be influenced by the degree of familiarity with each other.

Unconscious internal observation

With unconscious internal observation the observed subjects do not know that they are being observed, and the researcher-observer is inside the surveillance system and becomes part of it(for example, when a psychologist infiltrates a hooligan group and does not report the purposes of his infiltration in order to obtain the most objective information about its activities).

The observer is in contact with the observed subjects, but they are not aware of his role as an observer.

Disadvantage: difficulty recording results; the observer may be involved in a conflict of values.

Peculiarities

The fact that surveillance is being conducted does not affect the observed subjects due to the fact that they are unaware of it. Also, the observer has a wide scope for obtaining information due to the possibility of direct contact with the observed subjects.

However, the observer may have difficulties with directly recording the results, including because direct recording may unmask the observer. Also, during close contacts with the observed, the observer may lose neutrality and adopt the value system of the group being studied. Conflict is also possible value systems this group and the value system that the observer adheres to (the so-called “ norm conflict»).

Unconscious external observation

With unconscious external observation the observed subjects do not know that they are being observed, and the researcher conducts his observations without coming into direct contact with the object of observation(for example, the observer may be hidden from the observed behind a one-way transparent wall).

Peculiarities

With this form of observation, the presence of the researcher in the role of observer is not recorded by the observed, thereby reducing the impact on the naturalness of their actions. It is also possible to use technical and other means to facilitate the recording of data and the progress of the study. Another incomparable advantage is that a tired observer can be quietly replaced by another observer.

Environmental observation

With this form of observation the researcher studies the environmental conditions of the observed that influence his behavior. It attempts to draw conclusions about how external factors determine the actions of an individual or group of individuals .

APA Code of Ethics and Observations

Code of Ethics American Psychological Association (American Psychological Association, or APA) permits observations provided that certain rules are followed and certain precautions are taken. Here are some of them:

If the research is conducted in a public place, obtaining informed consent from participants is not considered necessary. Otherwise, it is necessary to obtain their consent.

Psychologists should do everything possible to avoid harm to research participants and, if it cannot be avoided, to reduce the expected harm.

Psychologists should minimize intrusions into privacy.

Psychologists do not disclose confidential information about participants in their studies.

Stages of observational research

Definition of the subject of observation, object, situation.

Selecting a method for observing and recording data.

Creating an observation plan.

Selecting a method for processing results.

Actually an observation.

Processing and interpretation of the received information.

How to conduct an observation

The results of observations carried out for research purposes are usually recorded in special protocols. It is good when the observation is carried out not by one person, but by several, and then the data obtained is compared and generalized (by the method of generalizing independent observations).

When using the observation method, the following requirements must be observed as fully as possible:

Preliminarily outline an observation program, highlighting the most important objects and stages of observation.

The observations made should not affect the natural course of the phenomenon being studied.

It is advisable to observe the same mental phenomenon on different faces. Even if the object of study is a specific person, he can be known better and more deeply by comparing him with others.

Observation must be repeated, and when studying personality, systematic. It is important that it be consistent, that is, repeated observations take into account information obtained from previous observations.

Surveillance equipment

Observation can be carried out directly by the researcher, or through observation devices and recording of its results. These include audio, photo, video equipment, and special surveillance maps.

Observation is contrasted experiment. This opposition is based on two points:

1. Passivity of the observer - the observer does not change the surrounding reality.

2. Immediacy - the observer records in the protocol what he sees.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of the observation method

Observation allows you to directly capture and record acts of behavior.

Observation allows you to simultaneously capture the behavior of a number of individuals in relation to each other or to certain tasks, objects, etc.

Observation allows research to be carried out regardless of the readiness of the observed subjects.

Observation makes it possible to achieve multidimensional coverage, that is, recording in several parameters at once - for example, verbal and nonverbal behavior

Efficiency of obtaining information

Relative cheapness of the method

Disadvantages of the observation method

Deviation from the purpose of observation (Obtaining facts that do not correspond to the goals of the study)

Past research experience influences subsequent observational facts.

The observer is not objective.

An observer can influence the observation process by his very presence (a stranger in the family, a teacher at recess)

SYSTEMATIC OBSERVATION

- English observation, systematic; German Beobachtung, systematische. A type of observation carried out according to a pre-developed plan for studying an object over a certain period of time.

Antinazi. Encyclopedia of Sociology, 2009

See what “SYSTEMATIC OBSERVATION” is in other dictionaries:

systematic observation- with it, attention should be focused on one specific act of behavior in order to describe as accurately as possible exactly its characteristics, the study of which this study is devoted to. For this purpose, questionnaires or observation cards are often used, where... Great psychological encyclopedia

SYSTEMATIC OBSERVATION- English observation, systematic; German Beobachtung, systematische. A type of observation carried out according to a pre-developed plan for studying an object over a certain period of time... Explanatory dictionary of sociology

Observation is a descriptive psychological research method consisting in the purposeful and organized perception and recording of the behavior of the object being studied. Contents 1 General information 1.1 Subject of observation 1 ... Wikipedia

This term has other meanings, see Observation. Observation is a descriptive psychological research method consisting in the purposeful and organized perception and recording of the behavior of the object being studied. Observation... ... Wikipedia

Systematic observation- 4.2.1. Systematic monitoring of the operation of buildings, structures and equipment is carried out daily by the heads of structural units to which the relevant buildings, structures or individual premises are assigned, or... ... Dictionary-reference book of terms of normative and technical documentation

Customs surveillance- Customs surveillance, public, targeted, systematic or one-time, direct or indirect visual surveillance, including the use of technical means, by customs officials over the transportation of goods,... ... Official terminology

Customs surveillance- public, targeted, systematic or one-time, direct or indirect (using technical means) visual observation by authorized customs officials of the transportation of goods and vehicles... ... Customs law. Glossary

Clinical examination- systematic medical observation of the health status of military personnel in order to prevent, timely detect and treat diseases. One of the most important measures of medical support for officers, warrant officers,... ... Glossary of military terms

Medical control- systematic monitoring of the health status of military personnel, compliance with sanitary and hygienic and anti-epidemiological norms and rules in order to improve the health of personnel. Carried out by the medical service through medical... ... Civil protection. Conceptual and terminological dictionary

monitoring the development of the education system- systematic standardized observation of the process of targeted qualitative and quantitative changes within a given system... Modern educational process: basic concepts and terms

Books

Visual and thematic set. Weather calendar. Spring. Federal State Educational Standards DO, . The proposed visual and didactic set “Weather Calendar. Spring” includes 40 colorfully designed sheets that allow the teacher to engage in joint intellectual…
Weather calendar. Spring. Visual and thematic set. Federal State Educational Standard of Education, E.A. Kudryavtseva. The proposed visual and didactic set “Weather Calendar. Spring” includes 40 colorfully designed sheets, allowing the teacher to access and engage in joint intellectual…