a) According to the degree of
structuring, we distinguish structured, semi-structured, and unstructured
observations.
- Structured observation
In fully structured observation, we
work with a pre-established list of phenomena or expressions that we aim to
observe. We monitor whether this phenomenon appears or not, or we focus on its
frequency and intensity of occurrence. Typically, the results of the
observation are recorded in a record sheet.
- Semi-structured observation
With this type of observation, we have
an idea of what we need to observe, but we also pay attention to other
manifestations that currently occur.
- Unstructured observation
This type of observation is focused on
any behavioral expressions that we observe in the target individual or group of
individuals. The observation is guided only by generally defined questions.
Records from unstructured observation, which often have the character of brief
notes directing our further diagnostic activity, can be written in a diary or
record card (Syslová et al., 2018).
b) Based on the level of the
diagnostician's involvement in the observed activities, we distinguish between
participatory and non-participatory observation.
- In participatory observation, the
diagnostician is present in the observed events, entering them with varying
intensity (i.e., they may intervene only partially or intensively).
- In non-participatory observation,
the diagnostician is either not present at all concerning the observed event
(e.g., observing from a recording), or they are physically relatively distant
from the observed activity.
c) Depending on whether the
diagnostician was physically present during the observation or not, we
distinguish between direct and indirect observation.
- If the diagnostician is physically
present during the observation, we refer to it as direct observation.
- If, for example, the observation
uses a video recording or another means of mediating the observation of
individuals, it is the second type, indirect observation. (see Švaříček &
Šeďová, 2014)
d) Based on the openness with which
the diagnostician communicates their diagnostic intention and identity to the
subject, we differentiate between open and covert observation.
- In open observation, the
participants of the diagnosis are openly informed about the role of the
diagnostician.
- In covert observation, the identity
of the diagnostician is concealed.
e) Based on the number of individuals
being observed, we distinguish between individual and group observation.
- In individual observation, the
diagnostician works with only one person.
- In group observation, more
individuals are the subject of the diagnosis.
In professional diagnostic literature,
other types of observation appear (or other designations for the types of
observation listed above), such as short-term versus long-term, random versus
systematic (Zelinková, 2007), free versus targeted (Svoboda, 2015), etc.