Observational methods
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This document discusses observational methods used in research. There are two types of observation: nonparticipant observation where the researcher simply observes without participating, and participant observation where the researcher takes part in the activity. The researcher aims to understand context like physical surroundings, people present, and interactions. Observation allows researchers to identify patterns, see things people may not discuss, and directly experience a setting. Researchers record field notes on what they observe, photos, and audio/video. Content analysis can also study documents produced.
![Styles of Observation
Unstructured observation – describing what occurs.
Researcher usually does not have a preconceived
idea about what would occur.
Semi-Structured observation [using a checklist to
record what you have found]. Requires that you
have an idea about what will be found.
Structured observation. Starting with an operational
definition of what you want to measure – and
counting only the behavior or situation that “fits” the
definition.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/observationalmethods-150416194741-conversion-gate02/85/Observational-methods-8-320.jpg)
![How to record field notes:
Record what one observes during
observation.
Expand on notes after the observation.
Complete your sentences – add description.
Write a narrative [several paragraphs] that
describes what you saw in detail. Narratives
are also called “thick description” and in most
qualitative research also include information
on researcher reactions and interpretation.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/observationalmethods-150416194741-conversion-gate02/85/Observational-methods-10-320.jpg)
Observational methods
- 2. Two types of observation Nonparticipant observation. Researcher is not part of the activity taking place, but simply observes. May be identified as observer/research. Participant observer. Researcher takes part in community, organization, or activity. Researcher attempts to learn what it is like to be part of the community, organization, or participate in the activity.
- 3. In both types of observation, the researcher attempts to learn about context in which behavior takes place. Context includes: Physical surroundings. Other people in the setting. The interactions among different people in the setting. The social, cultural, political, or economic context in which the behavior occurs and why it occurs.
- 4. Why do we observe: To add to our understanding of interview data. To identify patterns that may occur in the behavior of people, social interactions, or the setting. To see patterns people are unwilling to talk about. To provide direct personal experience and knowledge. To add to or “move beyond” the perception of both the researcher and participants.
- 5. In addition to observation, researcher may: Interview participants. Interview key informants or people “in the know” about the setting, surroundings, or context. In social work practice settings, key informants may be called “community guides,” helping the social worker learn about and gain access to a community.
- 6. If someone wanted to learn about your community, what would you tell them to do? What would you tell them about community customs and behaviors?
- 7. What types of things do we observe: Formal and informal patterns of interaction among people. Ways people organize themselves Informal or formal rules in operation Recurring events “Down time” when things don’t happen Sequence of events Differences in what happens at various times Ritual and Ceremonies Crises Unplanned activities.
- 8. Styles of Observation Unstructured observation – describing what occurs. Researcher usually does not have a preconceived idea about what would occur. Semi-Structured observation [using a checklist to record what you have found]. Requires that you have an idea about what will be found. Structured observation. Starting with an operational definition of what you want to measure – and counting only the behavior or situation that “fits” the definition.
- 9. Researchers record what they see, hear, smell, and taste using: Field notes. Written record of what is observed, impressions, reactions, and hypotheses about what has happened. Photos of people and setting may be added to analysis. Audio-tape and video-tape are also used to document what researchers find.
- 10. How to record field notes: Record what one observes during observation. Expand on notes after the observation. Complete your sentences – add description. Write a narrative [several paragraphs] that describes what you saw in detail. Narratives are also called “thick description” and in most qualitative research also include information on researcher reactions and interpretation.
- 11. Other things you can use to help with observation: Tables Checklists Diagrams and maps
- 12. Content Analysis: We also can add to interviews or observation by conducting content analysis on things produced “in the course of everyday events” (Rossman & Rollis, p. 197). This is also referred to in our text as studying material culture. Social workers often analyze case records, organization documents, intake records, letters etc. Videos, newspapers, books, movies, etc. can also be analyzed for content. The researcher looks for reoccurring patterns in the documents.
- 13. What to include in field notes: Where you observe Who was there or not there What happened What events happened What events took place
- 14. Social Work Practice Applications: Use observation and content analysis to learn about client and his/her environment (family, school, culture). Learn about community and organization systems. Conduct assessments. Develop interventions Use evaluations of interventions and programs.