O. Cont among all the methods used to study phenomena in sociology, considered observation to be the most effective. It is necessary for sociological knowledge to be accurate, objective and scientific.
Observation in Sociology comes down to observing social facts. They are understood as the observed manifestations of the physical behavior of people. Such an observation helped to put sociology in the rank of a separate science, to give the material studied to it the character of scientific objectivity.
Observation in sociology always relies on a certain theory, which is necessary for the effectiveness of the application of this method. In addition, observation involves a clear distinction between subject and object. Observation in sociology, according to O. Comte, is possible only from the outside. Then about the included observation did not know yet. This method appeared only in the twentieth century in empirical sociology and immediately became very popular.
Observation in sociology is a method that is used with certain limitations, since not all social phenomena can be studied with its help. This is only possible with objects that can be perceived through hearing and vision. For example, a strike must be investigated with the mandatory use of this method. Of course, it should be used in a single complex with many other methods for collecting information.
However, not every auditory and visual observation can be called observation in a scientific sense. To turn simple contemplation into a scientific method, a number of research procedures are necessary. This is the identification of tasks and hypotheses that need to be checked; determine the object of observation, its subject, categories, conditions of observation, units, prepare tools in the form of diaries, protocols, technical tools, data processing programs, etc.
The next step is to pilot the instrumentation and make adjustments to it, draw up an observation plan, and develop instructions. Only then can we begin to carry out a set of operations related to direct observation in accordance with the above requirements.
There are different types of observation in sociology .
External observation (from the outside) allows you to record the activity of a social group without taking part in it. Such observation can be explicit or hidden (for example, due to a translucent mirror).
Included observation in sociology implies the participation of the observer in the activity of the studied social group by becoming one of its members. In this case, his role can also be explicit and hidden (unknown to the team members). Using this method, the researcher minimally affects or does not consciously affect the reality being studied. Its possible influence is considered as a forced error.
However, in some cases, researchers deliberately create situations that are of interest to him. To the extent possible, such artificial situations are maximally disguised as reality. In sociology, this method is called experimental observation. Even in laboratory conditions, you can create an atmosphere close to reality.
Types of observation in sociology can be divided into other signs : the use or non-use of equipment (recording, recording, measuring), the frequency, duration, and a number of other signs. Separate laboratory, field and mixed observation. Distinguish between standardized and non-standardized surveillance. Methods of systematic, episodic and random observation are essentially different. By formalization, there are uncontrolled (non-standardized, structureless) and controlled observation.