The Pros And Cons Of Observation

In an observational method, data are collected through observation and description of a subject's behavior or an event in their natural setting (Sullivan-Bolyai & Bova, 2018). In effect, the role of the observer is vital in initiating a research that uses this method.
Nurses are skilled in observing. As a matter of fact, observation is routinely practiced by nurses in undertaking daily responsibilities. Nurses use direct observation in assessing patients, interacting and understanding conditions holistically; has attention to details, recognizing signs and/or symptoms to which others might remain unnoticeable; actively listens and willing to learn from others; and record "factual, accurate and thorough" descriptions with relevant details (Salmon, 2015). In like manner, these attributes

Or "the observer himself, during the course of observation, may be affected by the process itself." Hence, the description of events may be subjective (Preserve Articles, 2012), and the research report may not exhibit accurate attributes of an event.
**Vulnerability to Hawthorne effect (reactivity) Subjects may change behavior or performance if they know that they are being observed (Sullivan-Bolyai & Bova, 2018). For example, in a study of health-care associated infection related to maintenance of vascular access devices, nurses would likely change their routine or procedures, which consequently distort the true event and result of the study.
**Ethical issues "Occur if subjects are not fully aware that they are being observed" (Sullivan-Bolyai & Bova, 2018). Therefore, "Informed consent is the major ethical issue in conducting research…one of the means by which a patient's right to autonomy is protected" (Fouka & Mantzorou, 2011).
** Can be expensive and