Covert or Non-Participant Observation as One of Experimental Strategies

Observation is one strategy for gathering research information. It includes viewing a member and recording significant conduct for later examination. One case of an investigation utilizing the observational strategy would be the point at which a scientist needs to examine how youngsters oversee sharing of toys. He could watch a gathering of youngsters playing in the study hall, and record what things they state or do that figure out who gets the opportunity to play with a pined for toy.

The observation strategy has the upside of giving direct proof of the wonder that is being examined. In the model over, the analyst gets information on how the youngsters really figure out how to share or not share. This is more target than different methods for gathering information like for instance, meeting the youngsters or their educator.

Types of Observational Methods:

• Structured Observation
• Un-Structured Observation
• Naturalistic Observation
• Participant Observation
• Non-Participant (or covert) Observation
• Controlled Observation
• Un-Controlled Observation
• General or Layman Observation
• Scientific Observation

In this article we will describe what is the non-participant observation or, in another world, covert observation.

Non-Participant or Covert Observation

The non-participant observation comprehends a lack of participation of the observer in his cluster activities. He either watches the phenomena from a distance or participates within the cluster however ne'er in its activities. He merely sits within the group however don't interest within the method.

The distinction between participant & non-participant observation is that, within the former the observer himself participate during a cluster and become the member of that cluster additionally participate in their activities with full fledge whereas the latter refers to the less or no participation of the observer in his cluster, their membership and activities. He watch from a distance however doesn’t have active eye sight that what's happening within the field of analysis.

Merits

• Although observer himself never attach to the group but the objectivity maintained.
• Less emotional involvement of the observer leads to accuracy and greater objectivity.
• Having secondary relationship with his group, so the information’s are collected entirely.
• Through non-participant observation the research remains very smooth.

Demerits

• Do not have full knowledge about the group activities.
• Cannot understand the whole phenomena.
• Cannot get real and deep insight into the phenomena.

Conclusion 

On the whole, The non-participant observation or covert observation or un-controlled - all of them usually takes place in natural setting without the influence of external or outside control. The observer does not plan in advance but this is related to day-to-day happenings and socio-cultural problems. It studies some of our life situations.