refacaddy.blogg.se - Field notes

Direct observation as a research method is most appropriate in open, public settings where anyone has a right to be or congregate.Rather, it may be an initial approach to understanding a setting, a group of individuals, or forms of behavior prior to interacting with members or developing interview protocols.

Direct observation is not necessarily an alternative to other types of field methods, such as participant observation or qualitative interviews.

Data collected through direct observation may include field notes, checklists and rating scales, documents, and photographs or video images.

The observer does not actively engage the subjects of the study in conversations or interviews, but instead strives to be unobtrusive and detached from the setting.Other features of direct observation include: Structured observation, on the other hand, is a technique where a researcher observes people and events using a guide or set protocol that has been developed ahead of time. Observations are recorded holistically and without the aid of a predetermined guide or protocol. Unstructured observations involve the researcher observing people and events and recording his/her observations as field notes. The observations may be unstructured or structured. Direct observation is a method of research where the researcher watches and records the activities of individuals or groups engaged in their daily activities.