Study Notes on Observation as a Research Tool in Qualitative Research

CHAPTER SIX: BEING A CAREFUL OBSERVER

1. Introduction to Observation in Qualitative Research

• Importance of Observations:

  • Observations serve as a primary source of data in qualitative research.

  • Commonly used in various qualitative research types such as case studies, ethnographies, and action research studies, especially in ethnographic studies.

• Distinction from Interviews:

  • Setting: Observations occur in the natural setting of the phenomenon, while interviews typically happen in designated locations for that purpose.

  • Nature of Data: Observational data is a firsthand encounter, contrasting with the secondhand accounts inherent in interviews.

• Interconnection with Informal Interviews:

  • In practical data collection, informal interviews and conversations often intermingle with observations.

  • Concepts of "fieldwork" or "field study" encompass both observation and informal interviews, including the analysis of documents and artifacts.

2. Nature of Observation

• Everyday vs. Research Observation:

  • Everyday observations are routine, unconscious, and not systematic, part of common life. Research observation, however, is systematic, focusing on specific research questions, adhering to methodological standards.

• Subjectivity in Observation:

  • Critiques of Participant Observation:

  • Critics argue that human perception is highly subjective and selective, leading to potential unreliability.

  • Example: Different eyewitness accounts of a traffic accident may yield contradicting narratives due to the lack of systematic observation training.

• Training for Observation:

  • Skillful observation is similar to skillful interviewing, necessitating training. Training includes:

  • Learning to pay attention

  • Writing descriptively

  • Systematically recording field notes and differentiating details from trivial information.

• Practice in Observation Techniques:

  • Various ways to practice include:

  • Being a complete observer in public spaces.

  • Engaging in participant observation in familiar settings.

  • Watching films or videotapes.

  • Apprenticing under experienced field researchers.

3. Purpose of Observations

• Reasons for Observation:

  • Observers can identify routine behaviors overlooked by participants, thus providing contextual understanding and triangulating findings from interviews and document analysis.

  • Photos emphasize firsthand witnessing of behaviors as opposed to relying on interpretations from interviews.

  • Observations are vital when discussing topics that participants may be uncomfortable addressing (e.g., interpersonal conflicts).

Example: Anchored Interviewing

• Example from Mishoe (1995) observing respiratory therapists, followed by interviews to link their thoughts to witnessed behaviors, showcasing how observation informs and enriches dialogue during interviews.

4. Determining What to Observe

• Factors Influencing Observational Scope:

  • Primarily determined by the researcher’s study purpose, theoretical framework, and research questions.

  • Disciplinary orientation can shape observation focus (e.g., educators versus sociologists observing schools).

• Practical Considerations:

  • Observing certain behaviors may be challenging; researchers must also be allowed access to observe adequately.

  • Initial impressions from early observations guide subsequent research focus, further refined through repeated interactions and questioning.

• Structured vs. Unstructured Observations:

  • Observers can be selective about focus, using structured codes for recording behaviors or allowing natural focus to emerge over time.

Checklist of Observational Elements:

1. Physical Setting: Assess environment usability, space allocation, and design intentions.

2. Participants: Identify roles, interactions, presence of expected individuals, and social environment patterns.

3. Activities and Interactions: Observe activities' sequences, norms governing behaviors, and connection between participants and activities.

4. Conversations: Analyze content, noting who speaks to whom, silences, and non-verbal communication.

5. Subtle Factors: Pay attention to informal activities, symbolic meanings, nonverbal cues, and unexpected behaviors.

6. Observer’s Behavior: Reflect on how the observer influences the setting and observe personal thoughts and reactions during the study, noted as "observer comments".

5. Duration and Stages of Observation

• Observation Duration:

  • Varies based on research goals; no fixed ideal time, but shorter observation periods are recommended for beginners.

  • Encompasses three stages:

  1. Entry - Establishing rapport and gaining necessary permissions.

  2. Data Collection - Focused observation and recording findings.

  3. Exit - Leaving the field gracefully, avoiding abrupt terminations.

Gaining Entry:

• Considerations for Entry:

  • Must address stakeholders' concerns about research scope and purposes, ensuring clarity about methods and expected outcomes.

• Recommendations from Bogdan & Biklen (2011):

  • Not take field experiences personally, establish rapport, keep initial observations brief, and align with local customs.

Leaving the Field:

• Develop an exit strategy to manage the transition to conclude the observational phase without abrupt disruptions.

6. Observer-Observed Relationship

• Stances in Participant Observation:

  • Ranges from a complete participant (engaged within the group) to a complete observer (hidden or public presence). Gold’s typology includes:

  1. Complete Participant: Full immersion without disclosing observer role; benefits include insider knowledge but risks ethical implications.

  2. Participant as Observer: Observer role known but subordinate to active participation; depth of information balanced against confidentiality.

  3. Observer as Participant: Primary goal is data gathering with defined observer activities openly discussed with subjects; data access is extensive but participant controls information release.

  4. Complete Observer: No interaction; purely observation, more effective in public spaces but ethically challenging under covert circumstances.

Mixed Roles:

• Researchers often transition between full participation and observation, reflecting a dynamic balance required in qualitative research. They must pay attention to their positionality and the impacts it has on the environment studied.

7. Recording Observations

• Field Notes:

  • Need to be descriptive and well-structured to create a meaningful database for analysis.

  • Encourage immediate notable documentation after observation to enhance recall accuracy.

  • Patterns, dialogues, and reflective commentary should be systematic and distinct.

Tips for Effective Notes:

• Log time, location, purpose, participant demographics, and a physical layout sketch. Ensure clarity and detail to promote analysis.

• Include direct quotes, essential remarks, and reflective commentary as part of the observational record to facilitate deeper insights.

8. Online Observation

• Emerging Digital Ethnography:

  • Online observations present distinct challenges, including the potential to observe covertly and the need for ethics surrounding digital interactions.

  • Virtual environments allow for mixed observational roles, with online communities functioning as unique cultural studies.

• Field Notes for Online Research:

  • Incorporate diverse methods, including smartphone documentation, to enrich field data collection rods similar to traditional observations.

9. Conclusion

• Observation plays a crucial role in qualitative research methodologies, establishing rich data sources for analysis by providing firsthand accounts and insights into the behaviors and contexts of participants. The success of such research hinges on careful planning, execution, and reflection, all detailed in effective field notes to foster thorough and impactful analyses.