ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the obstacles to knowledge and the tactics by which the obstacles may be surmounted. It describes that the obstacles that arise because the observer is a human being rather than a machine. The chapter offers examples of each different obstacle and of methods for overcoming it. Observer variability arises from the observer’s most human quality—imperfect physical and mental faculties. In the physical sciences too—especially in the early stages of a physical discipline—observer variability is an important obstacle. Overcoming the obstacle of observer bias in physical problems like thermometer reading is reasonably easy. the nature of the observer or her action affects the observation and creates an obstacle. Techniques for overcoming obstacle are much the same as the techniques for surmounting observer bias. Unlike most other research obstacles, publicity effects can easily be prevented by the researcher. Sequence effects are a frequent obstacle in psychological studies of learning.
