BEING A CAREFUL

OBSERVERChapter Six

OBSERVATION VS. INTERVIEW

Observation Interview

Takes place in the setting where the phenomenon of interest actually occurs

Data represents first hand encounter with the phenomenon of interest

Another location designated for interviewing

Second hand account of the world

OBSERVATION IS A RESEARCH TOOL Systematic-addresses a specific

research question When it is subject to the checks and

balances in producing trustworthy results.

Negative-highly subjective and therefore unreliable nature of human perception.

TRAINING TO BE A SKILLED OBSERVER Learning to pay attention Learning how to write descriptively Practicing the disciplined recording of

field notes Knowing how to separate detail from

trivia Using rigorous methods to validate

observations

WAYS TO PRACTICE Being a complete observer in a public

place Being a participant observer in your

work or social settings Watching films or video tapes Apprentice yourself to be an

experienced field researcher and compare his or her observations to yours

REASONS FOR OBSERVATIONS• As an outsider an observer will notice

things that have become routine to the participants themselves.

• Conducted to triangulate emerging findings(used in with interviewing and document analysis)

• Observer sees things firsthand and uses own knowledge to interpret what is observed rather than relying on once-removed accounts from interviews.

REASONS CONTINUED• Observations make it possible to record

data as it is happening.• Used to provide knowledge of the

context or to specific incidents.• People may not feel free to talk about or

want to discuss all topics.• Best technique when an activity, event,

or situation can be observed firsthand and a fresh perspective is desired.

WHAT TO OBSERVE Most important is the researcher’s

purpose in conducting the study The problem and the questions of

interest determine what is to be observed.

Observer can decide to focus on certain events, behaviors, or persons.

WHERE TO START? The physical setting: The participants: Activities and interactions: Conversation: Subtle factors: Your own behavior:

THINGS TO REMEMBER No ideal amount of time to spend

observing

Recommended to start with sessions one hour or less.

Also recommended to write up field notes as soon as possible.

THE PROCESS OF COLLECTING DATA THROUGH OBSERVATION

Entry, Data collection, and Exit

ENTRY Gain confidence and permission of those

who can approve the activity. Mutual contact Some groups difficult to gain entry Most want answers to the following:

What are actually doing? Will you be disruptive? What are you going to do with your findings? Why us? What will we get out of this?

Bogdan and Biklen have some suggestions for the first few days in the field.

RECORDING OBSERVATIONS Whatever is written or recorded during an observation becomes the raw data from which a study’s findings occur.

Merriam states, this written account of the observation constitutes field notes, which are

analogous, to the interview transcript (2009, page 128). Even if you, the researcher, have been able to take

detailed notes, you must write them in a narrative form as soon as possible as to not forget any details.

TECHNIQUES FOR REMEMBERING AND

RECORDINGPay attentionShift to a “narrow angle” by focusing on

just one person, interaction, or activityLook for key words in people’s

remarksConcentrate on the first and last

remarksMentally play back remarks and

scenes during breaks.

FIELD NOTES Field notes based on observation need to

be in a format that will allow the researcher to find desired information easily (Merriam, 2009, page 130).

Highly descriptive Begin with time, place, and purpose List the number of participants and any

meaningful characteristics Create a diagram of the setting (example

on pg. 132 Merriam) Describe the activities or behaviors of the

participant and how the observer responds

SUMMARY Observation is a major means of

collecting data in qualitative research. It offers a firsthand account of the situation under study and, when combined with interviewing and document analysis, allows for a holistic interpretation of the phenomenon being investigated (Merriam, 2009, page 136).