Slide 22 of 65
Notes:
Data gathered by observation can be highly reliable. Sometimes, observations are conducted to check the validity of data obtained directly from individuals.
The systems analyst is able to see exactly what is being done. Complex tasks are sometimes difficult to clearly explain in words. Through observation, the systems analyst can identify tasks that have been missed or inaccurately described by other fact-finding techniques. Also, the analyst can obtain data describing the physical environment of the task (e.g., physical layout, traffic, lighting, noise level).
Observation is relatively inexpensive compared with other fact-finding techniques. Other techniques usually require substantially more employee release time and copying expenses.