Research Methods Chapter 6 Observation ObservationParticipation continuum OBSERVATION

Research Methods Chapter 6: Observation

Observation-Participation continuum OBSERVATION -no involvement -no interaction -no influence (-possible? ) PARTICIPATION -fully involved in the activities of those being “researched” -high level of interaction and subjectivity (-bias? )

Five areas of interest for observational data § Exterior physical signs (e. g. , clothing, physical features, hairstyles etc. ). § Expressive movement (e. g. , gestures, body language etc. ). § Physical location (e. g. , people’s position in relation to others; their use of space). § In situ conversations (this is a central issue for observational research of online behaviour). § Time-related behaviour (e. g. , amount of time dedicated for specific behaviours; different behaviours at different times of day, week, month, year etc).

Collecting data § Making notes in-situ…then typing them up ready for analysis § Recording sounds/videos/images (with consent if recording private conversations) § Make sure that you observe carefully selected issues based on a literature-guided framework highlighting the key themes for observation. Can help you prioritise each aspect in terms of its importance to the research project. § Complementing those with interviews, discussions and the gathering of other materials, e. g. documents, to form a “rich” picture

Observation of online interaction

Observation as hard science § Be consistent in defining what you are looking at, when and where you are getting the data. § Produce a consistent method of data collection (e. g. , counting system for particular behaviours, typologies of different behaviours). § You must try to ensure that your personal biases do not affect the data (if possible). § Attempt to identify changes caused by particular variables (e. g. differences in behaviour at different times of the day or week). § Ethics and informed consent?

Observation as soft science (interpretivist activity) § If describing a particular event or activity, it is important that you provide a rich description of: Ø the context, Ø the people involved, Ø the influence of environmental factors (e. g. lighting, music etc), Ø objects involved (if relevant) e. g. uniforms, drinks, other social “props” such as mobile phones etc. , Ø and the minute details of the event or interaction between the people involved.

Observation as interpretation § The aim is not to produce a “valid” description, but an “authentic” one that attempts to create a nuanced interpretation of events. § You need to show your awareness of broader issues that shaped that event (e. g. , if known, the biographical histories of people involved, the type of business/leisure context in which it occurred etc. ). § You need to account for your role in influencing the data and in the limitations of your interpretations.

Participant observation § This assumes that the researcher is part of a social context, group, community etc § The research process is complicated because you must also account for: § Your role in the event. Participant or observer? § Personal biases, limitations and your influence on the data you collected § How you gained entry to a social context (boundaries and problems encountered)

Advantages and disadvantages of (participant) observation § Allows researcher to see people and their actions in their natural setting. § It is possible to limit bias in simplistic observational research. However, it is impossible to exclude bias in participant observational studies. § Sometimes, it is the only way to collect information on some issues e. g. drug taking, drinking, fighting etc. § Participant observation allows you to compare what people say they do, with what they actually do.

Advantages and disadvantages of (participant) observation § Observation on its own may provide limited information. It is useful if coupled with interviews and some participation. § It may take a long time to gain entry to a group. However, once this is solved, participant observation can provide a unique perspective on what people do. § Knowing that they are being watched may make people change their behaviour. § Not knowing that they are being watched my help to address this, but this raises important issues concerning privacy and informed consent. § Because participant observation usually takes place in a parochial social context, it is often difficult to draw generalisations.

Presenting your observations § Anecdotes and observations may be informal and written in the first person. § Reflections on the observations in third person. § Try to identify general themes which are relevant beyond that particular context. § It is often necessary to illustrate one point with several anecdotes, examples and observations.