Observation Recording Different Methods Used

Methods for Recording Observations

There are many methods available for recording observations namely video and audio recording, note taking, drawing sketches, photographs, or using computerized recorders. The most effective method for recording observations is video and audio recording. This method will not only allow for the capture of behavior, but also capturing the exact manner of how the behavior is enacted. Using video and audio recording, one can also capture the emotions behind the words a person is saying and offer definitive proof of someone’s statement. Inter-rater reliability checks can also be employed when using audio and video recording. This method is also generally harder to manipulate than written or typed notes. Using this method might offer the observer more in-depth information when compared to other methods of recording observations. However, this is a time consuming method mainly because one might record countless hours of useless shots and audio.

The least effective method for recording observations would be note taking. This is because taking notes might distract the observer and they might end up missing a vital observation. Also, note taking requires that the notes be written immediately and one should not rely on recall or memory. This might be hard especially when events are moving fast. One should always trust their notes and not what they recall. Note taking is also limited in that it allows the observer to record their subjective observations, which means they are not able to capture any objective view of what is taking place. Taking notes is not as time consuming as audio and video recording, but one still needs to spend time reviewing and revising their notes. Notes are also not highly accurate because the recording might have missed something when they were taking jotting down the note.