Characteristics of the Observed:

In getting information from the investigated people their characteristics play an important role. The status of the interviewee vis a vis the interviewer is a major factor in determining whether observation will be feasible as a method of data collection. Many people who are to be observed give such importance to their privacy because of their occupational position economic status sub cultural values and social norms that they do not permit the observer to observe them in all situations. It is easy to observe those who are in economically disadvantaged position relative to the well to do easy to observe teachers clerks etc than doctors and lawyers who have to maintain sanctity and confidentiality of their relation with their clients.