Evaluation Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Evaluation Methods - Essay Example The observation has to positively benefit the experiment, though it is also helpful to understand why other methods would not work in that specific experiment. This will aid both the experimenter and the reader into understanding how some methods worked better than others. In regards to non-participation observation and participation observation, it is important to understand the type of experiment that is being done before deciding on which observation method would be the best. Some studies and experiments require participation as it allows the one conducting the experiment to see the different effects and possible results; the experimenter can come to a conclusion based on the results of individuals by interacting with the participants. With non-participation observation, the experimenter does not interact with the participants, so they have to use other methods to come upon their conclusions as they do not allow themselves to experience the thing being studied. Non-participation observation is also known as direct or naturalistic observation, and it is when data and other information are collected by observing behavior without getting involved with the participants. The experimenter sets up the research environment and observes the behavior from outside of that population, watching from the sidelines, and not letting him or herself get involved with that portion of the experiment. They gather the information that they need by being only an observer; oftentimes, the population being observed is not aware of the fact that they are being so, as it may alter the way they behave. There are two types of non-participation observation: overt and covert. Overt is when the participants are aware that they are in an experiment and are being observed. A covert experiment is when the participants are unaware of the fact that they are being observed. The