OBSERVATION METHODS
Malgorzata Ciesielska, Katarzyna W. Bostrom, and Magnus Ohlander
INTRO
Types of observation:
1. Participant: the researcher strives towards an “immersion” in a specific culture,
preferably for a longer period of time, in order to acquire an insider understanding of this
culture either as a (marginal) member or as a visitor.
2. Non-participant: the researcher tries to understand the world, relationships, and
interactions in a new way, without prevalent categorizations and evaluations.
3. Indirect: the researcher relies on observations done by others (e.g. other researchers), on
various types of documentation, recordings, or on auto-observation.
OBSERVATIONAL RESEARCH DESIGN
Research Aims
Observation can serve as either the primary method in a research project or as one of
many supplementary qualitative methods. It can provide insight and generate ideas for
compelling scientific inquiries.
Access to the Field
Defining a specific physical location for observation is a crucial task, but it's important to
differentiate between settings, such as an office, and cases of interest for research. Even within a
single setting, there may be various contexts, such as frontstage and backstage, that require
different types of behavior and offer unique opportunities for research. In today's interconnected
world, with global communication and digital technologies, the complexity of identifying
observation fields is compounded. In some cases, such as Internet communities, there may be no
physical location to observe. Researchers may need to combine various observation techniques to
gain a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena under investigation.
Once the observation field has been defined, the next step is gaining access. Even with
formal permission from the institution's management, researchers may encounter informal
gatekeepers who attempt to influence and monitor the research process. Similarly, informal
sponsors may take an interest in the project and facilitate access, but often with the expectation
of overseeing the research..
Sampling: What? Who? Where? And When?
Observation is characterized by a relatively low level of control over the field of study.
James P. Spradley recommended in Participant Observation (1980, p. 78) that we should take into
account many dimensions of any social situation before narrowing the focus. Aspects that might
be useful for choosing what to observe:
, 1. The Management of Time and Space
2. Objects
3. Social Actors
4. Interactions—> In addition to observing the situation itself, it is important for a
researcher to also observe their own feelings and reactions as a source of knowledge and
reflection, rather than as sources of truth. This self-observation adds another analytical
dimension to the research process. A researcher should ask themselves questions such as:
Why did I react or behave in a particular way? How might my reaction have influenced
the situation's outcome or further development? By reflecting on their own responses,
researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the situation and its dynamics.
5. Routines, Rituals, Episodes—> One of the recurring dilemmas in the observation process
is the challenge of selecting the situations that will provide the most valuable insights and
information, while not missing any important details. Since researchers cannot be in
multiple places at once, they must carefully choose which situations to observe to
maximize their understanding of the case. However, this selection process can be complex
and multifaceted, requiring researchers to consider factors such as who to observe, what
events to focus on, where to conduct the observation, when to observe, and how to
conduct the observation. Making informed choices in each of these areas is crucial for
obtaining a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the subject under investigation.
Hammersley and Atkinson (2007) propose a selection:
● Time: Select some observation periods. It's important to alternate periods of
fieldwork with tasks like documenting observations (taking relevant notes, photos,
and documents), reflecting on findings, and writing up results.
● People: observe interactions of people and scopes of responsibility and at various
levels of both the formal and informal hierarchy.
● Contexts: context does not necessarily coincide with the “physical locale”. Observe
both the “frontstage” and the more informal “backstage” of a community or
institution.
The Observer
3 main types of the observer:
1. Completely Participating
The researcher adopts a completely participatory approach in which they strive to become
fully immersed in the environment being studied. This involves blending in with the group
being observed, adopting their lifestyle, customs, and even their way of perceiving reality. By
doing so, the observer seeks to gain a deep and comprehensive understanding of the group's
experiences, beliefs, and practices. This approach can be highly effective in facilitating a rich and
detailed analysis of the studied culture or community, but it also requires a high level of
commitment and openness.
Malgorzata Ciesielska, Katarzyna W. Bostrom, and Magnus Ohlander
INTRO
Types of observation:
1. Participant: the researcher strives towards an “immersion” in a specific culture,
preferably for a longer period of time, in order to acquire an insider understanding of this
culture either as a (marginal) member or as a visitor.
2. Non-participant: the researcher tries to understand the world, relationships, and
interactions in a new way, without prevalent categorizations and evaluations.
3. Indirect: the researcher relies on observations done by others (e.g. other researchers), on
various types of documentation, recordings, or on auto-observation.
OBSERVATIONAL RESEARCH DESIGN
Research Aims
Observation can serve as either the primary method in a research project or as one of
many supplementary qualitative methods. It can provide insight and generate ideas for
compelling scientific inquiries.
Access to the Field
Defining a specific physical location for observation is a crucial task, but it's important to
differentiate between settings, such as an office, and cases of interest for research. Even within a
single setting, there may be various contexts, such as frontstage and backstage, that require
different types of behavior and offer unique opportunities for research. In today's interconnected
world, with global communication and digital technologies, the complexity of identifying
observation fields is compounded. In some cases, such as Internet communities, there may be no
physical location to observe. Researchers may need to combine various observation techniques to
gain a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena under investigation.
Once the observation field has been defined, the next step is gaining access. Even with
formal permission from the institution's management, researchers may encounter informal
gatekeepers who attempt to influence and monitor the research process. Similarly, informal
sponsors may take an interest in the project and facilitate access, but often with the expectation
of overseeing the research..
Sampling: What? Who? Where? And When?
Observation is characterized by a relatively low level of control over the field of study.
James P. Spradley recommended in Participant Observation (1980, p. 78) that we should take into
account many dimensions of any social situation before narrowing the focus. Aspects that might
be useful for choosing what to observe:
, 1. The Management of Time and Space
2. Objects
3. Social Actors
4. Interactions—> In addition to observing the situation itself, it is important for a
researcher to also observe their own feelings and reactions as a source of knowledge and
reflection, rather than as sources of truth. This self-observation adds another analytical
dimension to the research process. A researcher should ask themselves questions such as:
Why did I react or behave in a particular way? How might my reaction have influenced
the situation's outcome or further development? By reflecting on their own responses,
researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the situation and its dynamics.
5. Routines, Rituals, Episodes—> One of the recurring dilemmas in the observation process
is the challenge of selecting the situations that will provide the most valuable insights and
information, while not missing any important details. Since researchers cannot be in
multiple places at once, they must carefully choose which situations to observe to
maximize their understanding of the case. However, this selection process can be complex
and multifaceted, requiring researchers to consider factors such as who to observe, what
events to focus on, where to conduct the observation, when to observe, and how to
conduct the observation. Making informed choices in each of these areas is crucial for
obtaining a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the subject under investigation.
Hammersley and Atkinson (2007) propose a selection:
● Time: Select some observation periods. It's important to alternate periods of
fieldwork with tasks like documenting observations (taking relevant notes, photos,
and documents), reflecting on findings, and writing up results.
● People: observe interactions of people and scopes of responsibility and at various
levels of both the formal and informal hierarchy.
● Contexts: context does not necessarily coincide with the “physical locale”. Observe
both the “frontstage” and the more informal “backstage” of a community or
institution.
The Observer
3 main types of the observer:
1. Completely Participating
The researcher adopts a completely participatory approach in which they strive to become
fully immersed in the environment being studied. This involves blending in with the group
being observed, adopting their lifestyle, customs, and even their way of perceiving reality. By
doing so, the observer seeks to gain a deep and comprehensive understanding of the group's
experiences, beliefs, and practices. This approach can be highly effective in facilitating a rich and
detailed analysis of the studied culture or community, but it also requires a high level of
commitment and openness.
