Human curiosity is the main reason for the rapid development of civilization. Since ancient times, knowledge has been carried out using two main methods: observation and experiment. Despite the apparent identity, these concepts are significantly different from each other.

Definition

Experiment is a method scientific knowledge, in which objects are immersed in an artificially created environment, and their behavior is controlled by the experimenter. The main purpose of such an action is to test the hypothesis, to search for new facts that can answer important questions for science.

Observation- this is a method of cognition in which the observer studies the properties of the object under study and fixes them. Intervention in the natural environment is minimal, and any person can carry out these activities, even in the absence of equipment and technology, as well as special knowledge.

Comparison

So, the most important difference lies in the way of interaction with the subject being studied. If the observer stands aside and studies objective data, then the experimenter actively intervenes in the course of events and directs them. Observation can be spontaneous, and experiment - only purposeful.

The experimenter is busy confirming the hypothesis he formulated earlier. The observer simply receives new data by collecting previously unknown information. The experiment is carried out in special conditions and in a closed (limited) environment, as a rule, artificially created, observation - in natural conditions. Another important point is the availability of special equipment. For experiment it is obligatory, while observation can do without it.

Findings site

1. Interaction with an object. The observer distances himself from the natural environment, and the experimenter actively intervenes in it.
2. Terms of conduct. Observation is carried out in natural conditions, and the experiment is carried out in artificially created ones.
3. Special equipment. To conduct an experiment, you need a base; observation can be carried out without equipment and tools.
4. Target. Observation is designed to fix reality and obtain new data, experiment - to confirm the hypothesis formulated speculatively.

What is the difference between experiment and observation? and got the best answer

Answer from Denis Odessa[active]
It differs from observation by active interaction with the object under study. The experiment is usually carried out within scientific research and serves to test the hypothesis, establish causation between phenomena

Answer from Vasily Khaminov[guru]
when experimenting, you subject an object to some kind of test)) And observations are just observing it in natural conditions))

Answer from Daria Shevchuk[active]
observation is a passive way of knowing, and experience is an active way.

Answer from Vinera Ovechkin[newbie]
Observation is the perception of natural objects, and experiment is observation in specially created and controlled conditions. That is, the difference is that Observation all depends on nature, while Experiment there everything needs to be done by yourself

Answer from Dima Kuznetsov[guru]
you can watch the experiment O_O

Answer from _BE`Z analoga_ I`[newbie]
Scientific observation (N.) is the perception of objects and phenomena of reality, carried out with the aim of their knowledge. In N.'s act, one can single out:
1) object;
2) subject;
3) funds;
4) conditions;
5) a system of knowledge, on the basis of which the goal of N. is set and its results are interpreted.
All these components should be taken into account when reporting N.'s results so that any other observer can repeat it. The most important requirement for scientific N. is the observance of intersubjectivity. It implies that N. can be repeated by each observer with the same result. Only in this case the result of N. will be included in science. Therefore, eg. , observations of UFOs or various parapsychic phenomena that do not satisfy the requirement of intersubjectivity still remain outside of science.
N. are subdivided into direct and indirect. With direct N., the scientist observes the chosen object itself. However, this is not always possible. Eg. , objects quantum mechanics or many objects of astronomy cannot be observed directly. We can judge the properties of such objects only on the basis of their interaction with other objects. This kind of N. is called indirect, it is based on the assumption of a certain regular connection between the properties of directly unobservable objects and the observed manifestations of these properties and contains a logical conclusion about the properties of an unobservable object based on the observed effect of its action. It should be noted that a sharp boundary cannot be drawn between direct and indirect N.. AT modern science indirect N. are becoming more widespread as the number and perfection of the instruments used in N. increases, and the scope of scientific research expands. The observed object affects the device, and the scientist directly observes only the result of the interaction of the object with the device.
Experiment (E.) is a direct material impact on a real object or the conditions surrounding it, produced with the aim of knowing this object.
The following elements are usually distinguished in E.:
1) purpose;
2) the object of experimentation;
3) the conditions in which the object is located or in which it is placed;
4) E. means;
5) material impact on the object.
Each of these elements can be used as the basis for the classification of electrons; they can be divided into physical, chemical, biological, etc., depending on the differences in the objects of experimentation. One of the simplest classifications is based on differences in the goals of E.: for example. , establishment of k.-l. patterns or discovery of facts. E., conducted for this purpose, are called "search". The result of search E. is new information about the area under study. However, most often the experiment is carried out in order to test some hypothesis or theory. Such E. is called "verification". It is clear that it is impossible to draw a sharp line between these two types of E. The same E. can be used to test a hypothesis and at the same time provide unexpected information about the objects under study. In the same way, the result of search E. can force us to abandon the accepted hypothesis or, on the contrary, give an empirical justification to our theoretical reasoning. In modern science, the same E. more and more often serves different purposes.
E. is always called upon to answer a particular question. But for a question to be meaningful and allow a definite answer, it must be based on prior knowledge of the area under study. It is theory that provides this knowledge, and it is theory that poses the question for the sake of answering which E. is posed. Therefore, E. cannot bring the correct result without theory. Initially, the question is formulated in the language of theory, that is, in theoretical terms denoting abstract, idealized objects. In order for E. to answer the question of theory, this question must be reformulated in empirical terms, the meanings of which are sensually perceived objects. It should, however, be emphasized that, by implementing N. and E., we go beyond purely

Answer from Vladimir Sudin[guru]
Well, you know, HELLO!
Experiment - when you participate, and observation - NOTHING depends on you ....

Answer from hungry ghost[guru]
experiment - they make experiments, observation - they just observe, look (for example, how quickly a plant grows under the influence of some kind of fertilizer) ... experiment - practice, observation - theory

Observation and experiment are two research methods that each of us used, regardless of involvement in science. Remember how exciting it is sometimes to watch pets or how frost draws patterns on glass. In fact, we study this world through daily observation. Experiments, by the way, are also found in ordinary life more often than it might seem. When I, as a schoolgirl, set fire to plasticine to see how it transforms, this was an experiment. What is the difference between these concepts? Why do scientists distinguish between them so clearly? Let's answer these questions!

Observation and experiment: reality and assumptions

Imagine an anthill. It is very entertaining to watch how its inhabitants go about their daily business: they move, carry small objects, dig minks. Contemplating this process, we are dealing with observation. This method allows us to conclude how work is divided between insects, where they crawl out for prey, and much more. Bring a drop of honey from home and put it in the anthill. How will the ants behave? Do they eat honey? Will they try to move a valuable gift? This will be an experiment that will confirm or refute conjectures, and maybe bring new discoveries with it. It turns out that observation differs from experiment in that in the first case it is sufficient connect the senses and record the results, and in the second - create and change conditions, actively participate in what is happening.

How is observation different from experiment?

The fact is that theory always precedes experiment. This means that before you start it, you ask yourself general or specific questions. It is logical that such a research method opens up more space for reflection and research, and its results can be the most unexpected.

In addition, observation is usually does not require additional equipment, except for devices that enhance the work of the senses. They may be:

• microscopes
• magnifiers;
• telescopes;
• binoculars;
• cameras.

In case of experiment, you most likely need a number of items to artificially create certain conditions. What this equipment will be depends only on the subject of research.

Experiment, observe, learn! Let the world be open for you!

Federal Agency for Education

Federal State Educational Institution

Higher professional education

Saint Petersburg State University

Faculty of Journalism

Coursework on the topic

"The main differences between the method of observation and experiment"

Discipline: Fundamentals of the creative activity of a journalist

Completed: student of the 2nd year, 7th group of the full-time department, specialty "Journalism" Tsuman A.P.

Scientific adviser: political candidate. Sciences

Baychik A.V.

St. Petersburg

Introduction 4

Chapter 1. Characteristics of methods 6

1.1 Observation method 6

1.2 Experiment 11

Chapter 2. Analysis of publications 16

Conclusion 20

References 22

Apps 23

Introduction

In the most general sense, a method is a way or a way to achieve a goal, an activity ordered in a certain way. It is also a system of non-material means of cognition and transformation of reality; a way of cognition and practical activity, which is a sequence of certain operations. Method also means a special system for processing and analyzing the content of the phenomenon under study. Today, the method is understood as a way of cognition, research of natural phenomena and social life.

Some researchers believe that journalism does not have its own methods, it borrows them from other sciences of sociology, psychology, the logic of literary criticism, economics 1 . An unequivocal answer to the question of whether it is worth highlighting the specifics of journalism as a science and comparing its methods with other areas scientific activity, not yet. However, in this work we will try not to touch on such "pitfalls".

A journalist in his creative work uses various ways of interpreting situations and phenomena that he witnesses, explains or comments on the facts he encounters. He deals with various forms of knowledge - scientific, non-scientific, thus empirically mastering reality and knowing the world around him. Ideally, the main goal of a journalist's knowledge is to find the truth and accurately convey this truth to the reader, so the question of the reliability of the facts presented cannot but arise. In many ways, the objectivity and truth of what is written by a journalist depends on the degree of mastery of the methods of mastering reality. Vivid representatives of such methods are observation and experiment. Both of these methods belong to the group of rational-cognitive methods, and more specifically, to the empirical level of knowledge 1 , and their result appears in journalism as a stream of information publications 2 .

So, finding differences between the method of observation and experiment is of interest and topical for research because:

Firstly, today there is a tendency towards complementarity and interpenetration of methods, which increases the level of culture of journalistic work.

Secondly However, it is still important to understand the limits of application of methods and techniques and not allow the possibility of their overlap.

aim work is to analyze and find the main differences between the two methods of journalism - the method of observation and experiment.

The goal is revealed through the following tasks:

explore each method separately;

analyze examples of the use of these methods in journalistic work;

find the distinctive features of each method;

draw conclusions from the study.

Chapter 1. Characteristics of methods

1.1 Method of observation

Observation is one of the methods of collecting sociological information that allows you to study the object in many ways, so it is distinguished from traditional methods first of all. The use of this method is associated with obtaining preliminary material about a social object and for obtaining primary information on any problem. As G. V. Lazutina writes, the key link here is “a person's ability to perceive the object-sensory concreteness of the world in the process of audiovisual contacts with it” 1 . Journalistic observation can act both as the main and as an additional method and, unlike the ordinary one, it always has a goal and a clearly defined character. “It is the deliberateness of perception and awareness of tasks that allows you to look - and see” 2 . It is no coincidence that this is one of the very first methods that is explained to students.

The subject of journalistic observation is the person himself, his appearance, character, how and what he says, his behavior, as well as his reaction to what is happening, including various aspects of the relationship and interaction between the individual and the team. Attention is paid to the nature of communication, and the level of culture of the individual, and the means of communication (such as gestures, facial expressions, words, speech), and even the surrounding material environment. Therefore, the method of observation is very often used in the work of a reporter, for which there are many more reasons: a journalist, getting involved in a certain event, has the opportunity to trace its dynamics. The material creates an atmosphere of belonging to what is happening in front of the reporter. The journalist can identify some of the most significant characteristics of the event and determine the factors under the influence of which the characteristics of the objects observed in the event change. Also, direct observation of people's behavior allows you to see inconspicuous, at first glance, details, characteristic personality traits 1 .

There are several types of journalistic observation. They are classified based on different criteria, for example, methods of organization, subject, nature of the information of interest.

On the basis of the first basis, observation is divided into hidden and open. A distinctive feature of open observation is that a journalist, having arrived to perform a task, let's say, in any organization, declares his goal, editorial task, what kind of help he may need from the employees of this organization. So, the people with whom he will communicate know that among them there is a journalist collecting material for publication, they can imagine the nature of this speech (positive or negative) and behave accordingly.

In contrast to open covert surveillance, a journalist does not inform the people whose actions he observes for a certain time that he is a journalist and collects the information he needs, as well as about what kind of information he is interested in. Moreover, they may never know that a journalist was among them. Covert surveillance is most often used in the study of any conflict situations in individual groups or in the course of investigative journalism. Before the investigation, the journalist has a fragment of the information picture, checks it, reconstructs the picture anew. Often a journalist conducting an investigation becomes a participant in an event, influencing its course and shaping the outcome.

Depending on the conditions of studying the subject to which the attention of a journalist is directed, observation can be classified as direct and indirect. In the first case, the author observes the object directly, in the second (because of its remoteness, concealment or other conditions) - using indirect data, that is, indirectly.

Observations are also subdivided according to the temporal criterion: short-term and long. If the publication needs to be prepared as soon as possible, short-term observation is used. Long-term observation is used when it is necessary to study the subject thoroughly and in detail. Long-term observation is not necessarily one-time: a journalist can repeatedly return to the life of a team, observe the changes taking place for several years. This type of observation is widely used when working in analytical genres.

AT structured observation a journalist captures events according to a clearly defined plan, or, more precisely, a procedure, and in unstructured - conducts observation in a free search, focusing only on general ideas about the situation. But still, the journalist should adhere to the indicative plan for conducting the observation. Such a plan helps to correctly determine the aspect of observation, its order and conditions.

Field observation involves working in natural conditions, and laboratory- in some situations constructed by a journalist.

Systematic observation implies the journalist's focus on a particular situation at certain periods of time, and unsystematic– spontaneity in the choice of the observed phenomenon. one

Features of journalistic observation can also be predetermined by such a factor as the degree of participation of a journalist in the event he is observing. On this basis, observations can be divided into included and not included. How did A.A. Tertychny, “in the first case, a journalist becomes, for example, a member of the crew of a fishing trawler and works on board along with other fishermen. Non-participant observation is the study of some activity from the outside, while preparing, for example, a report on a volcanic eruption, about sports, etc. 1 Indeed, in the second case, the correspondent tries not to interfere in the course of what is happening, quite consciously taking a neutral position. He, as a rule, is outside the situation and does not contact the participants in the event. This type of observation is most often used to better describe the social atmosphere, for example, around elections, public actions, reforms. Included observation involves the participation of a journalist in the situation itself. He does this consciously, changing, for example, his profession or infiltrating a certain social group in order to recognize the object from the inside. “Change of profession” is possible in cases where the reporter is sure that by his unprofessional or unskilled actions he will not cause either physical or moral damage to people. For example, it is contraindicated for media workers to introduce themselves as doctors, lawyers, judges, or public service employees. Such prohibitions are stipulated both by the relevant norms of journalistic ethics and by certain articles of the legislation. The well-known journalist N. Nikitin gives novice journalists specific practical advice: “…the main principle is to be who you say you are” 2 . Thus, the journalist seeks to identify and show the reader some of the situations that are typical for the implementation environment. He sets himself a reporter's task - to take part in the action along with his heroes or experience some kind of difficulties. A report made using the method of participant observation can be a winning form of presenting the material. However, this should not be a simple act, a game of "dressing up". It is important that a journalist has a professional goal - to positively influence a situation or find ways to solve a problem.

Speaking of participant observation, it is important to pay attention to some of the difficulties associated both with this type and with the entire observation method as a whole. Firstly, it is important to understand that most often we are dealing with some kind of private and unique situations that cannot always be “lost” again. The main problem is the irreversibility of certain phenomena of social life. A journalist has to deal with human emotions, sometimes complex and even conflicting interpersonal relationships. Secondly, the quality of primary information can also be affected by people's subjective assessments, their value orientations, established ideas, stereotypes, and interests. “The reaction of people to the presence of an observer is not always unambiguous. But in most cases, people react negatively to the presence of strangers (especially journalists) who are watching them closely. People can change the tactics of their behavior if they feel or that they are being watched.” one

That is why the information and impressions received by a journalist are in dire need of mandatory rechecking in order to once again be convinced not so much of their reliability, but of their objectivity. Sociologist V. A. Yadov suggests the following rules that should be followed to increase the degree of validity and stability of data:

Classify the elements of events to be observed as detailed as possible, using clear indicators;

If the main observation is carried out by several persons, they compare their impressions and agree on assessments, interpretation of events using a single recording technique, thereby increasing the stability of the observation data;

The same object should be observed in different situations (normal and stressful, standard and conflict), which allows you to see it from different angles;

It is necessary to clearly distinguish and register the content, forms of manifestation of observed events and their quantitative characteristics(intensity, regularity, periodicity, frequency);

It is important to ensure that the description of events is not confused with their interpretation, therefore, the protocol should have special columns for recording factual data and for their interpretation;

In the inclusion or non-participation observation performed by one of the researchers, it is especially important to monitor the validity of the interpretation of the data, striving to cross-check your impressions with the help of various possible interpretations 1 .

So, based on these features of observation, we can say that as an independent method, observation is best used in studies that do not require representative data, as well as in cases where information cannot be obtained by any other methods.

1.2 Experiment

In its general meaning, an experiment is a set of actions performed to test the truth or falsity of a hypothesis or the scientific study of causal relationships between phenomena. The researcher tries to change external conditions so as to affect the object of study. In this case, an external impact on an object is considered a cause, and a change in the state or behavior of an object is considered a consequence.

Translated from Latin, the word "experiment" means "test" or "experience". In general, the experiment is a complex method that combines various methods of collecting material. 1 With its help, the reaction of the object under study to the experimental factor is established, under the influence of which this or that activity of the object under study is manifested. The experiment is divided into the following stages:

Collection of information.

observation of the phenomenon.

1. Developing a hypothesis to explain the phenomenon.

   Development of a theory that explains the phenomenon based on assumptions in a broader sense. 2

The experimental factor can be introduced from the outside, or it can be contained in objects and become such under the control and control of the experimenter. The experiment itself can take place both in a natural environment and in an artificial one. The latter is called "laboratory experiment", and helps to achieve greater accuracy, controllability and persistence of its conditions. The regularity of the manifestation of certain events can be identified by comparing the facts, their systematization.

For a journalistic experiment, the object of which is various human relations, as in other social sciences, the abundance and complexity of factors that influence the state of the object are characteristic. A journalistic experiment has nothing to do with an action that has already taken place and can be carried out on any occasion. It often carries a certain intrigue. It arises because not all participants in the experiment know that they are participating in it.

The method of experiment in journalism is often identified with the method of participant observation, and there are reasons for this:

As in participant observation, the experimental journalist maintains a direct relationship with the object of study.

The experiment, like observation, can be carried out covertly.

The experiment refers to the visual means of studying social reality.

However, despite the fact that the main features are common, the experiment has its own special features and characteristics. “An experiment is understood as a method of research based on controlling the behavior of an object with the help of a number of factors affecting it, the control over the action of which is in the hands of the researcher” 1 . I would also like to point out that the experiment is an "active" method of studying reality. That is, if observation allows you to answer the questions "How?", "When?" and “How?”, the experiment answers one question “Why?”.

In the experiment, the object is a means for creating an artificial situation. This is done so that the journalist can test his hypotheses in practice, "lose" some everyday circumstances that would allow him to better know the object under study. In addition, any experiment contains not only the cognitive interest of a research journalist, but also managerial. If in the included observation the correspondent is rather a registrar of events, then by participating in the experiment he has the right to intervene in the situation, influencing its participants, managing them and making some decisions.

According to V.P. Talov, “The impact on the observed objects in the course of his / experiment / is not only permissible, but is just expected. Correspondents resorting to experimentation do not wait for people, certain officials, entire services to reveal themselves spontaneously, i.e. random, natural. This disclosure is deliberately caused, purposefully "organized" by them themselves... An experiment is an observation accompanied by the observer's intervention in the processes and phenomena being studied, under certain conditions - an artificial challenge, a conscious "provocation" of these latter" 1 .

Thus, the experiment is connected with the creation of an artificial impulse, designed to reveal certain aspects of the object under study. A journalist has the opportunity to conduct an experiment on himself, infiltrating the social group he needs, that is, to become something like a “dummy figure”. At the same time, he not only influences the situation, but also seeks to involve all persons of interest to him in the experiment.

Experiments can vary in their degree of complexity. Often a journalist will limit himself to the simplest task and accordingly apply an elementary form of experiment. However, when a journalist sets himself a much more difficult task, then to carry out an experimental verification of the initial assumption corresponding to it on right level quite problematic, therefore, when planning and conducting an experiment, the following points should be taken into account:

Determine its goals and objectives even before the start of the experiment (study the situation well, collect preliminary information about likely participants, work through available documents and other sources, and outline the subject of study, which will be of particular interest in the object of study).

Determine the site of action (whether the experiment will be carried out in natural or laboratory conditions).

Prepare both yourself (the journalist) and other participants in the operation.

After the journalist has determined the conditions under which the action will take place, he should form working hypotheses and choose an indicator of impact on the experimental situation. And only after that it is decided by what methods to fix and control the research process. In the structure of the experimental situation, L. V. Kashinskaya distinguishes the following elements:

initial state of the object influencing factor final state of the object

“The initial state of an object is usually fixed by a journalist, that is, there is a certain starting information. But the same information also contains those motivating motives that necessitate the creation of an experimental situation:

The insufficiency of the information necessary for the journalist to test or clarify his hypothesis.

The inability to obtain such information by conventional methods.

The need to obtain psychologically reliable arguments” 1 .

I would also like to draw attention to the fact that conducting an experiment requires special qualifications and mastery of special tools, and this is often possible only with the participation of an experienced consultant.

When the description of the course of the conducted experiment becomes the main content of the publication, the experimental method can act as the dominant genre-forming feature. Therefore, referring the publication to the genre of experiment, it should be emphasized that it is about an artificial, specially organized subject-practical situation by the journalist himself 2 .

Recently, the experiment is increasingly used in journalism, especially electronic. The method of recreating an artificial situation in which unsuspecting people find themselves can be found in various television programs (for example, "Town" and "Joke"). These experiments are carried out in order to identify any behavioral reactions of people to extraordinary situations. Publications in the genre of experiment are advantageous for a journalist in that they usually allow you to create texts that have dynamic features, a “lively” visual presentation of the material. They allow you to combine the beginnings of analytics and reporting. In other words, the author of the experiment not only analyzes some phenomenon, but also uses the detailed description of the created situation inherent in the reportage. But nevertheless, it is advisable to conduct an experiment in journalistic practice only in individual cases when the task is to penetrate deeper into life. At the same time, it is necessary to control all stages of preparation for it as carefully as possible.

Chapter 2. Analysis of Publications

So, in order to more clearly identify the differences between the method of observation and experiment, we will compare two publications: “How much does politeness cost? Or wrap me a kilogram of peaches in separate bags” (see Appendix 1), published on the website http://www.myjulia.ru and “Komi-Voyagers”, published under the heading “Trends” in No. 43 (073) of the magazine “Russian reporter” (see Appendix 2).

Speaking about the first publication, it is safe to say that it falls under the definition of an experiment. Firstly, the author deliberately intrudes into a social group, acts as a "dummy figure", namely, he appears in the image of an ordinary consumer. Secondly, the journalist himself determines the factor of influence on the object of research (sellers), deliberately provoking them, for example, offering to hang exactly 143 grams of kvass or one candy of each type. And the characters of trade workers are revealed in the most natural way: “Is that so? Can I chop it up smaller? or “Girl, what are you? Not! Nooooo!!! My job is going to be like this. I will not weigh. It's all on the calculator should be considered. No. I do not want".

The author clearly defined the purpose of his study - to show the attitude of sellers to an ordinary buyer and understand the reasons for such an attitude. His task is to penetrate deeply into a seemingly ordinary situation (a holiday shopping trip). Naturally, at the end of the study, the conclusion follows: “They were ready to cut, hang, wrap and do anything with the products I bought, which was in the power of the sellers. Only those in which laziness prevailed over other human qualities were refused. And I also realized that you should not be afraid to ask the seller to help you.

The genre of this publication can be defined as a journalistic experiment, because the subject-practical situation here was created artificially and specially organized by the journalist himself, who most likely could not use any other methods and needed reliable psychological arguments. Thus, the creation of an experimental situation is fully motivated.

Now consider the second publication called "Komi Voyagers". Here the author shows us one of the most acute problems of Russia and, especially, the Nenets autonomous region- The problem of transportation. The journalist did not have enough indirect information to fully cover this problem, so he goes on a journey with truckers-"stalkers" along "the worst road in Russia."

So we see the method of observation in action. He, in our opinion, acts here as the main method. The publication itself is written in the reportage genre (as mentioned earlier, observation is one of the key methods in the work of a reporter). The journalist pays a lot of attention to describing the characters of the people he encounters. He accurately notices the peculiarities of everyone’s speech, gives examples of “stalker jargon”: “nyasha”, “serpentine”, “washboard”, etc.

The speech of the author as a whole has a narrative and descriptive character. Details of the road, such as an overturned truck and its drunk driver, pulling out a truck stuck in the mud, as well as an abundance of dialogue make the reader involved in this trip, the dynamics of the event are very well traced.

The journalist gives us only a subjective vision of the situation, and not even his own, but the heroes of the story. Whether they can be trusted or not, the reader does not know.

By nature, the observation is open (truckers most likely know that there is a journalist among them), structured (the journalist records events according to a clearly defined plan), conducted in the field and included (the author does not observe the situation from the outside, but he, together with the truckers, commits A 70-kilometer off-road raid, that is, his task is to experience all the difficulties for himself, and also shows the reader situations typical of the environment in which he has infiltrated: mutual assistance of drivers, struggle for a place on the ferry).

Summing up the analysis of publications, one can immediately identify the main difference between observation and experiment from each other. In the first case, the journalist himself creates the situation in which he works, and his task is to confirm the hypothesis and the corresponding conclusion. In the case of observation, the situation is different - the author is included in a natural event that he cannot control in any way. The main task here is to highlight the event or problem, as well as to accurately and easily convey informative details to the reader.

Conclusion

So, after analyzing the scientific works of many authors and comparing in detail two recent publications in the media, we can say with confidence that the method of observation and experiment, despite their external similarity, have a number of rather significant differences, namely:

during the observation, the journalist deals with events that are often impossible to repeat, to lose again; in the experiment, the journalist himself creates the situation that he needs to investigate;

the purpose of the experiment is to test the hypothesis set by the journalist at the beginning of the study, and the purpose of the observation is to describe and accurately convey the details of the situation under study;

when observing, a journalist cannot interfere in the course of research, being only a registrar of an event or phenomenon, while during an experiment, on the contrary, he uses a set of tools that provoke the object of study to certain actions, thus managing him and making decisions;

the result of the observation may be based on the subjective view of the journalist about the event and require additional verification, while the result of the experiment is actually objective and is a confirmation or refutation of the hypothesis proposed by the journalist;

works written using the method of observation are informative and descriptive, in contrast to works written using the experiment, which are representatives of analytical genres.

Summing up the study, it is still worth noting that both methods are important tools in the arsenal of a professional journalist, as well as the main ways of researching and understanding the reality around us. Their use in publications brings a sense of belonging, empathy to the situations described in them, and from some of them the reader can derive specific practical benefits. But we must not forget that they require special training and the presence of a fixed, if not strict, plan of action. It is also necessary to be careful when working in the field of human relations, because one of the fundamental principles of the work of a journalist is “do no harm”.

Bibliography

Kashinskaya L.V. Experiment as a method of journalistic activity // Vestn. Moscow university Ser. 10. Journalism, 1986. No. 6.

Kim M.N . Technology of creating a journalistic work. SPb., 2001.

Lazutina G.V. Technology and methods of journalistic creativity. M., 1988.

Melnik G.S., Kim M.N. methods of journalism. St. Petersburg: Publishing House of Mikhailov V.A., 2006.

Nikitin N. Work option - unspoken // Journalist. 1997. No. 2.

Smirnov V.A. Levels and stages of the process of cognition // Problems of the logic of scientific knowledge. M., 1964.

Talov V.P. The work of a journalist: Methods and techniques of journalistic communication. L., 1983.

Tertychny A.A. Genres of periodicals. Moscow: Aspect Press, 2000.

Yadov V.A. Sociological research Keywords: methodology, program, methods. Samara, 1995.

Applications

1 Melnik G.S., Kim M.N. methods of journalism. St. Petersburg: Publishing House of Mikhailov V.A., 2006.

Experiment is different from observations in the first...

Looking after my little son, I constantly see how he makes new discoveries for himself, observing the world and conducting small experiments. Now he himself does not know what these concepts mean, and how they differ. But when he's a little older, that's what I'll tell him.

My observations and experiences

It's best explained with an example.

I have always loved to observe the objects of the world around me. So, it is very interesting to see how ants behave depending on the weather and time of day.

But more than that, I love experimenting.

I had an amazing experience once when I was a child. From the children's encyclopedia, I learned that the abdomen of ants is transparent. This assumption became my hypothesis, which had to be confirmed or refuted. I prepared sweet syrups of different colors and placed small drops near the anthill. It's funny, but when the ants drank, their tummies turned the color of a drop of syrup. This confirmed my hypothesis.

Have you guessed how my simple observations of the life of an anthill differed from the experiment?

• In the first case, I just watched (observed) the behavior of insects. While conducting the experiment, I myself had to interact with the subjects by placing colored drops near the anthill.
• While conducting the experiment, I had a hypothesis (from the children's encyclopedia) and a plan of action.
• Observations did not require any equipment (although this is not always true, for example, to observe space objects, you will need a telescope). For the experiment, I needed sugar, water, dyes and other means for making syrup.

Cat watching

Watch your pet. You will notice a lot interesting features. For example, that cats and cats are able to make many different sounds from each other.

Experience "Lava"

This interesting experiment can test the hypothesis that oil is lighter than water, but salt is heavier than oil.

1. Take a glass. Fill it with water and vegetable oil (2:1). The oil will float on top.
2. Add food coloring.
3. Pour in a spoonful of salt.

Enjoy "lava" in a glass.