Types of Observational Studies

Introduction3

Observational Study Designing3

Natural and Contrived Setting3

Disguised and Non-Disguised Observation4

Human and Mechanical Observation4

Direct and Indirect Observation5

Structured and Non-Structured Observation5

Case Studies6

Scenario 16

Study Statement6

Nature of Observational Study6

Research design Outline6

Scenario 27

Study Statement7

Nature of Observational Study8

Research design Outline8

Scenario 39

Research Statement9

Nature of Observational Study9

Research design Outline9

Scenario 411

Research statement11

Nature of Observational Study11

Research Design Outline11

Scenario 512

Research statement12

Nature of Observational Study13

Research Design Outline13

References15

Types of Observational Studies

Introduction

The core idea of this paper is to explain the various significant factors of designing the observational studies by using five different cases. To compute a research on observational studies it is necessary to hold a strong grip on its literature in order to produce significant results from the study.

Observational Study Designing

Observational studies can be designed in several ways. It depends upon objective of our data, nature of the data we are trying to collect and the available resources for the study. All we have to do is to observe the situation through a deeper understanding of all types of Observational studies. Designing a better observational can be done by considering following categories:

1. Natural vs. Contrived Settings 2. Disguised vs. Non-disguised Observation 3. Human vs. Mechanical Observation 4. Direct vs. Indirect Observation 5. Structured vs. Non-structured Observation

Natural and Contrived Setting

The observation of the subjects in real life environment constitutes natural setting. In this type of study, one does have any influence over the subjects; therefore, more time is required to collect the data in a natural setting. The data collected as a result of natural setting is also less accurate, as compared to contrived setting. On the contrary, a contrived setting is where the particular situation is created the researcher. This method provides more control as the observer is responsible for controlling the different parameters. As a result, the data is collected more efficiently in less time. However, the main issue regarding this method is its applicability to the real life situations. As the parameters are not natural and are artificial, some discrepancies might exist while comparing contrived setting with a real situation (Benson, 2000).

Disguised and Non-Disguised Observation

A disguised observation is made when the subjects are unaware that they are being watched. As a result, the subjects involved in the disguised observations act more naturally and the data also reflects natural reactions. While disguised observations provide real life data, there are several ethical concerns involving the collection of data using this technique. The subjects are unaware that they are being observed; therefore, their actions might be private, which is not voluntarily revealed. The actions of subjects do not remain private, if they are observed in a public setting. A non-disguised observation is made when the subjects are aware that they are being observed. There are no ethical concerns involved in this technique, but the advantages of observation are compromised. A survey technique will be as effective as a non-disguised observation. The advantage of this technique is that the observer can prepare a questionnaire, in order to gain deep understanding of his subjects (Cochran, ...