Observation

Observation

1. Definition

   • The observation as a research method tells us that it is ‘research characterised by a prolonged period of intense social interaction between the researcher and the subjects, in the milieu of the latter, during which time data, in the form of field notes, are unobtrusively and systematically collected.

2. Uses

   • Observe the ways in which people behave and interact with each other in a social setting are important for your research.
   • Observe to investigate social settings and what happens in them.
   • When the best way to investigate what you want to know is to experience it yourself.
   • Observe the context of the events you are investigating is important.
   • Observation a useful supplement to other research instruments.
   • A flexible approach to research is needed.

3. Planning

   • The focus of your study
     • What you will observe?
       • how to gain access and how you will observe it
         • how you will conduct yourself
           • how you will record what you see
             • what additional information you will collect
               • how you will process and analyse your data

4. Issues

   • The social situation(s) which will be the observational focus of your research
     • A location
     • The people (sometimes called actors)
     • The activity or activities taking place

5. Conducting an observation

   • Gaining access and establishing yourself
     • BE UNOBTRUSIVE
       • BE HONEST
         • BE UNASSUMING
           • BE A GOOD LISTENER
             • BE APPROACHABLE

6. Data analysis

   • How to observe: telling the story
     • WHO IS PRESENT?
       • WHAT IS HAPPENING?
         • WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN?
           • WHERE IS IT HAPPENING?
             • WHY IS IT HAPPENING?
               • HOW IS IT ORGANISED?

7. Reference

   • Wilkinson, D., Birmingham, P. (2003), Using Research Instruments: A Guide for Researchers. RoutledgeFalmer