Observation

Data Collection Methods Qualitative Research Observation by Muhammad Yousuf Ali

 Observation

OBSERVATION is a technique that involves systematically selecting, watching and recording behaviour and characteristics of living beings, objects or phenomena.

2. What are the types of Observation?

There are four main types of observation

Type of Observation

 1. General observation may be used as the starting point in to be familiar with the setting and the new context.

2. Focus observation may be used to evaluate whether people really do what they say they do.

3. Access the unspoken knowledge of subject, that is, the subconscious knowledge that they would not be able to verbalizes in an interview setting.

4. Compare a phenomena and its specific components in greater detail with a phenomena.

3. Modes of Observation or Observer role

1. Complete Observer/Silent Observer

This is a detached observer where the researcher is neither seen nor noticed by participants. And researcher in a silent state.

2. Observer as Participant

In this case researcher is known and recognized by the participants and in many cases, the participants know the research goals of the observer.

3. Participant as Observer

In participant as Observer researcher is fully engaged with the participants. s/he is more of a friend or colleague than a neutral third party. 

4. Complete Participant

This is a fully embedded researcher, almost like a spy. Here the observer fully engages with the participants and take parts in their activities.

4 What are the advantage and disadvantage of Observation?

Advantages

  • A. Easy to administer.
  • B.  There subsists a greater accuracy with results.
  • C. It is a universally accepted practice.
  • D. It diffuses the situation of an unwillingness of respondents to administer a report.
  • E. It is appropriate for certain situations.

Disadvantage

  • A. Some phenomena aren’t open to observation.
  • B. It cannot be relied upon.
  • C. Bias may arise.
  • D. It is expensive to administer.
  • E. Its validity cannot be predicted accurately.

5 How does a research prepare an observation?

1. Determine the purpose of the observation activity as related to the overall research objectives.

2. Determine the population(s) to be observed.

3. Consider the accessibility of the population(s) and the venues in which you would like to observe them.

4. Investigate possible sites for participant observation.

5. Select the site(s), time(s) of day, and date(s), and anticipate how long you will collect participant observation data on each occasion

6. Decide how field staff will divide up or pair off to cover all sites most effectively

 7. Consider how you will present yourself, both in terms of appearance and how you will explain your purpose to others if necessary.

 8. Plan how and if you will take notes during the participant observation activity

9. Remember to take your field notebook and a pen.

6 What are the dimension of Observation?

1. Space (physical places)

2. Participants (people involved)

3. Activities (the set of related acts people do)

4. Object (the physical things that are present)

5. Time (the sequencing that takes place over time)

6. Goal (the things participant are trying to accomplish)

7. Feeling (the emotions felt and expressed)

Cite This Article

MY Ali ( 20 February 2021). Data Collection Methods Qualitative Research Observation. https://profileusuf.wordpress.com/observation/

References

Elmusharaf, K. (2012). Qualitative data collection techniques. Training Course in Sexual and Reproductive Health Research. Geneva.

Gold, R. L. (1957). Roles in sociological field observations. Soc. F., 36, 217.

Maanen, J.V., Spradley, J.P., 1980. Participant Observation.. Administrative Science Quarterly 25, 526.. doi:10.2307/2392270