Question

Describe how you would conduct a systematic and unsystematic observation on a named topic

Answer 1

To conduct a systematic observation :

1. Specify the rigorous actions that are needed
2. Variables and attributes that are needed for the observation have to be also identified
3. The observation methodology has to be stated
4. The aim is to get uniform results from all the observers under similar conditions

To conduct an unsystematic observation :

1. The observation is a casual way of observing a subject
2. The research methodology is qualitative and flexible.
3. There is no explicit need to state variables or attributes
4. Observation of everyday and regular human or animal behavior

e.g. Say we want to observe how a seed grows into a plant. The systematic approach would be to measure moisture levels(attributes) in the soil and collect data(methodology being data analysis) of how much the plant might be growing in length daily. The unsystematic approach would be to casually see the plant everyday as it grows without any formal research.