CONTENTS

•OBSERVATION SCHEDULE AND•RATING SCALE

OBSERVATION SCHEDULE OR OBSERVATIONNAIRE

This is a form on which the observations of an object or a phenomenon are recorded. The collected data through observation are grouped into appropriate categories and listed in a schedule in the order in which the observer would observe them.

Observation schedules, or forms having blank columns are used. In these columns the investigator can record his findings as a result of his observation.

SCALING TECHNIQUES

Scales are devised for measuring variables in social science research. “scaling” refers to the procedure by which numbers or scores assigned to the various degrees of opinions, attitude and other concepts.

Scaling is defined as a “procedure for the assignment of numbers (or other symbols) to a property or objects in order to impart some of the characteristics of numbers to the properties in the question”.

PURPOSES OF SCALING

a.Scaling helps to reduce the complexity of data.

b.It helps to test hypotheses.c.It aims at increases the reliability of

analysis. d.It reducing the error in measurement.

TYPES OF SCALES

The scales may be broadly classified into the following types:1. Nominal scales.2.Ordinal scales. 3.Rating scales and4.Ratio scales.

The four levels of measurement scales arebased on three characteristics. They are

1. Order2.Distance3. Origin

NOMINAL SCALES

•Using arbitrary number or symbols.•Helps to classify the objects. Helps in distinguishing one property from another.•The classifications do not overlap. Helps to determine whether the objects belong to the same class or not.

ORDINAL SCALE

•It is similar to nominal scales.•It is used when some kind of relationship existing between two or more classes of objects under study.•Rates or ranks can be assigned.

RATING/INTERVAL SCALE

•It involves judgment in a continuum.•Rates can be assigned to the objects under study during continues evaluation.

•It is the highest type of scale.•In addition to all the characteristics of an interval scale it is characterized by an absolute zero.•Absolute zero can provide consistent starting point for measurement.

RATIO SCALE

LIKERT’S SUMMATED SCALE

•It consist a set of statements.•Values are assigned to each statements in such a way it affects the phenomenon.•The respondents are supposed to mark their agreement or disagreement with listed statements.

AN EXAMPLE FOR A SUMMATED SCALE

STATEMENTS STRONGLYAGREE

AGREE UNDECIDED DISAGREE

STRONGLY DISAGREE

CO-OPERATIVES ARE RENDERING USEFUL SERVISES FOR THE PUBLIC

5 4 3 2 1

CO-OPERATIVES HAVE LOT OF CORRUPTION

1 2 3 4 5

STEPS TO CONSTRUCT A SUMMATED SCALE The score includes five categories of responses; strongly

agree, agree, undecided, disagree and strongly disagree.

Statements are classified into those which are favorable and those which are unfavorable.

For favorable statements weight given to strongly agree, undecided, disagree and strongly disagree are 5,4,3,2,1 respectively; and for unfavorable statements the weights given are 1,2,3,4 and 5 respectively.

A large number of statements are administered to a group of respondents who are representative of those for whom the questionnaire is being constructed.

CONCLUSION…

REFERENCES

•Methodology of Research in Social ScienceO.R KRISHNASWAMIM. RANGANATHAM

•Introduction to Research Method in Social Science

K. RAVICHANDRANF. NAKKIRAN