‘Observational studies give us a true picture of reality, while surveys only give us perceptions’. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

While it is true that surveys are by definition based on the perceptions of those completing them, it is not necessarily true to say that observations give us a true picture
of reality. There are a number of reasons for this. Firstly, we typically only observe a snapshot of the behaviours we are interested in. If, for example, we are interested in science teaching and observe science lessons, these will be only a subset of lessons taught by the teachers we observe, let alone science lessons in general. Secondly, observation can often introduce bias, in that the presence of the observer, and the fact that the observed know they are being observed, may make them consciously or unconsciously behave differently from usual. Finally, as observers we come into any research with our own biases and perspectives, which will influence the way we interpret what we see.