Page 1 : OBSERVATIONS 269, , observation is guided by the preplanned structured or semistructured instrument, where, the researcher observes only specific attributes or behaviour in accordance with planned, observation guidelines. This helps the researchers to be on the track while carrying out an, observation as well as analysis of data collected during this method of Paes eenaine, easy. Structured observation is generally carried out by using following tools:, , e Checklist, , e Stale, , e Category system, ic isa Toerention Unstructured observation is generally used in qualitative studies, W were observe ton 1s made with minimally structured or researcher-imposed categovies. [tis used for complete and nonspecific observation of phenomenon, which is very, well-known by the researcher. Unstructured observation is carried out by using unstructured tools, and the following tools are generally used by the researchers:, e Log and field notes, e ecdotes, e “Field diary, » Video recordi, e Partici 1ANL.OUSETVE ion: Historically, field and ethnographica researches have been associated most strongly with participant observation, where observer may live or work, in field and. actively participate in. ongoing activities for the extended period. In addition, observer becomes the accepted member of the group or community. The level of, participation of the observer may range from completely absorbed state to a minimal, state of participation in the group or community under study. During participatory observation, unstructured tools are used to collect the data, such as logbooks, field notes,, field diary, tape, video recordi tc. ——, e No cipant. _observation: In nonparticipatory observation, observer works as_an_, pper (secretly istening or Observing), where ¢ g), where an attempt is made to observe peoithout-interacting with them. In this echnique, the observer is not a participant in_, the setting but is merely viewing the situation. In addition, people are observed without, their knowledge that they are being observed. This method is routinely used by psychologists to study children or animals. However, this method possesses ethical problems due, , to observation of people without their consent., , , , , , , , Planni ation, , ® Focus determination: The evaluation question(s) you want to be answered through obserare to be visualized first. Then choose a few focus points for your data collection. For, example, you may need to know how nicely an HIV awareness syllabus is being followed, in the classroom. The focus areas might be the teachers’ skills, knowledge, and behaviours, , this particular topic and interactions between teachers and students, etc., i ign: You need to think about the specific items for which you want to, , data once you have focused your evaluation. Then ascertain the method so as to, , war going to acquire the information that you require. The following three pri’ of collecting observation data can also be combined to ensure your data, needs: