Page 6 - LESSION 14.pmd

Methods of Child Study

2. Selective perception of observer may distort data.

3. Investigator has little control over situation.
Notes
4. Behavior or set of behaviors observed may be a typical/not normal.

5. Results can change if the subject becomes aware they are being observed.

6. The observer may not be able to note all the behaviors that occur.

Factors to be kept in mind while observing
1. Note down the duration, date and place of observation and information
about the subject.

2. Note as many details as possible by keeping notes about the children’s
behavior as well as context

3. Record behaviors as they occur
4. Do not write interpretations

5. Respect the children who are being observed

6. Do not disturb the activities of children who are being observed

14.3 INTERVIEW

It is a technique that simply uses direct conversation with children to gather
data. One person (Interviewer) questions the other (Interviewee) on certain
issues and then draws conclusions from these conversations. It is a detailed,
in-depth conversation that is guided by certain objectives. The interview
schedule is the list of questions used for interviewing. The face-to-face contact
in interviews is useful in repeating, reframing and sometimes probing emotional
issues. The interview can be audio-recorded or noted. Audio-recordings are
more accurate and need to be transcribed. Transcription is the procedure of
playing back the tape and writing out the responses. Every utterance is captured
including all uhms, ahs, false starts and stutters, repetitions, distracting speech
patterns (“you know”, “like”) and interviewer's remarks such as “right or yes”.
Also included are pauses, laughter, crying, interruptions, personal comments,
external noises, in short: everything we hear!

The steps in constructing and conducting an interview are:
1. Decide on an issue that you want to study and look for a suitable title

2. List out the areas on this issue that are important to investigate

3. Write down the questions; word them carefully and simply
4. Arrange the identified questions from simple to more complex

84 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION