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    Question ID:   17675         Current Version: 2
Question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of observation studies relative to surveys?
Category: Science > Other
Keywords: advantages, disadvantages, observation study, survey
Type: what
Rating:(0 ratings)    Views: 343    Discussions: 0   In Watch Lists: 2  

 
    Answer:
Advantages:
  • Observations are usually flexible and do not necessarily need to be structured around a hypothesis. The researcher can have first hand experience of their study.
  • In terms of validity, observational research findings are considered to be strong. Validity is the best available approximation to the truth of a given proposition, inference, or conclusion. Observational research findings are considered strong in validity because the researcher is able to collect a depth of information about a particular behavior. The ability to record and report all findings that are true to the topic at hand. 

Disadvantages:

  • There are problems with reliability and generalizability. Reliability refers the extent that observations can be replicated. Seeing behaviors occur over and over again may be a time consuming task. Generalizability, or external validity, is described as the extent that the study's findings would also be true for other people, in other places, and at other times. In observational research, findings may only reflect a unique population and therefore cannot be generalized to others.
  • There are also problems with researcher bias. Often it is assumed that the researcher may "see what they want to see." Bias, however, can often be overcome with training or electronically recording observations. Hence, overall, observations are a valuable tool for researchers. The viewer's or researcher's own perception of what IS will give bias to the end recorded result.
  • There may be too few trials/studies/objects observed to make an end conclusion to the study. 
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