One risk of the observation method is the observer effect. This happens when the people being observed change their behavior because they know they are being watched.
Understanding the Observer Effect
The observer effect can significantly impact the accuracy of the data collected through observation. Here's why:
- People act differently when they know they are being observed. They may become more self-conscious, try to impress the observer, or behave in a way they believe is expected of them.
- This can lead to biased results. The data collected may not reflect the true behavior of the individuals being observed.
Examples of the Observer Effect
- Students in a classroom: Students may behave differently when they know a teacher is observing them, leading to an inaccurate assessment of their usual behavior.
- Employees in a workplace: Employees may work harder or be more polite when they know their boss is watching, leading to a misleading picture of their typical performance.
- Animals in a zoo: Animals may exhibit unusual behaviors when they are aware of visitors, leading to inaccurate observations of their natural instincts.
Mitigating the Observer Effect
- Use unobtrusive observation methods. This could involve hidden cameras, one-way mirrors, or observing from a distance.
- Allow participants to become accustomed to the observer. This could involve allowing the observer to be present for a period of time before starting the observation.
- Use multiple observers. This can help to reduce bias by comparing observations from different individuals.
