Question

Dr. Krishana is going to observe and record children's play behaviour at a nursery school without attempting to influence or control the behaviour. Which method of research is involved? Explain the process and discuss its merits and demerits.

Answer 1

Dr. Krishana would use the method of non-participant observation to observe and record children's behaviour at play without attempting to influence or control the behaviour. He would sit in a corner and observe the children's behaviour without them being aware of it. He would note the behaviour of children while playing, how they interact with each other and their reaction towards winning or losing. He would collect all the data in a file and them match the conclusion with the hypothesis.

Merits of non- participant observation: 

• The researcher observes the people and their behaviour in naturalistic settings.

• The observer can get first hand information regarding the subject.

Demerits: 

• This method is time consuming, labour intensive and subject to personal biases.

• The researcher may interpret the behaviour based on personal values.

Dr. Krishana would use the method of non-participant observation to observe and record children's behaviour at play without attempting to influence or control the behaviour.