Observation - Investigating the Social World Quantitative Research - Lecture Slides, Slides of Sociology

Download Observation - Investigating the Social World Quantitative Research - Lecture Slides and more Slides Sociology in PDF only on Docsity! Observation Docsity.com What is Observation? • Observation is a systematic data collection approach. Researchers use all of their senses to examine people in natural settings or naturally occurring situations. • Observation of a field setting often involves: – prolonged engagement in a setting or social situation – clearly expressed, self-conscious notations of how observing is done – methodical and tactical improvisation in order to develop a full understanding of the setting of interest – imparting attention in ways that is in some sense 'standardized' – recording one's observations Docsity.com Raymond Gold’s Typology (1958) • The complete participant - takes an insider role, is fully part of the setting and often observes covertly. • The participant as observer - the researcher gains access to a setting by virtue of having a natural and non-research reason for being part of the setting. As observers, they are part of the group being studied. This approach may be common in health care settings where members of the health care team are interested in observing operations in order to understand and improve care processes. • The observer as participant - In this role, the researcher or observer has only minimal involvement in the social setting being studied. There is some connection to the setting but the observer is not naturally and normally part of the social setting. • The complete observer - the researcher does not take part in the social setting at all. An example of complete observation might be watching children play from behind a two-way mirror. Docsity.com Fieldnotes, Jotted Notes and Protocols • Observers often use multiple methods to gather data. • One primary approach involves writing fieldnotes. • Researchers may want to create and use an observational protocol (template) to guide observations. • Theories and concepts can be used in constructing protocols and can result in focused data collection • However, protocols or templates can deflect attention from unnamed and unanticipated categories that may be important to understanding a phenomenon and a setting Docsity.com Using Protocols • Creswell (1998) recommends use of a “protocol” when collecting data to organize information and help keep research on track • i.e. an interview schedule, a moderator’s guide or an observational protocol Docsity.com