Independent Research: The Observation

Definition Primary research; watching people (creatures) interact with each other and their environment.Primary research; watching people (creatures) interact with each other and their environment. Used in many fields of study.Used in many fields of study.

Types of Observation Participant (interact with those you are observing; become a participant) vs. Non-participant (sit, watch, take notes with no interaction).Participant (interact with those you are observing; become a participant) vs. Non-participant (sit, watch, take notes with no interaction). Participant observations may alter eventsParticipant observations may alter events Non-participant observations may not gain complete understanding of event.Non-participant observations may not gain complete understanding of event.

How to Observe Separate observations from feelings or reactions to observations.Separate observations from feelings or reactions to observations. –Observation: The teacher walks around the classroom, speaking to each student individually. –Interpretation: The teacher seems to want to make sure that each student understands the assignment. Take detailed notes (video, audio recording); develop theories but revise as more evidence presents itself.Take detailed notes (video, audio recording); develop theories but revise as more evidence presents itself.

Things To Look For Environment: Describe the overall feeling and appearance of the location based on observations and feelings.Environment: Describe the overall feeling and appearance of the location based on observations and feelings. Space: Describe characteristics of the physical setting.Space: Describe characteristics of the physical setting. Objects: What objects caught your attention.Objects: What objects caught your attention. Actors: Describe the players involved - both people and animals if relevant.Actors: Describe the players involved - both people and animals if relevant. Activities: What activities were the actors involved in?Activities: What activities were the actors involved in? Acts: What actions took place?Acts: What actions took place? Time: Describe time (time of day; how time passed)Time: Describe time (time of day; how time passed) Feelings: What feelings did you sense in the space, between players? What did you feel as an observer?Feelings: What feelings did you sense in the space, between players? What did you feel as an observer?