Chapter 8 Observation

CONTENTS Types of observational research Possibilities Main elements of observational research Use of technology Just looking

Types of observational research Types of observational research (Fig. 8.1) Structured or systematic Unstructured/naturalistic/qualitative Quasi-experimental Participant observation (see Ch. 9) A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Possibilities Possibilities (Fig. 8.2) Children's play Sport activity patterns (coaching, training, match behaviour) Informal sport areas – counting heads – spatial/functional patterns of use Visitor profiles Deviant behaviour Mystery shopping Complementary research Everyday life Social behaviour A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Case study 8.1: Deviant behaviour: Observing riots Australian Motor-cycle Grand Prix, mid-1980s Cunneen et al. (1989)

Steps in an observation project Steps in an observation project (Fig. 8.4) 1.Choice of site(s) 2.Choice of observation point(s) 3.Choice of observation time period(s) 4.Continuous observation or sampling? 5.Number and length of sampling periods 6.Deciding what to observe 7.Division of site into zones 8.Determining information recording method 9.Conducting the observation 10.Analysing/interpreting data A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Step 5: Count frequency (Fig. 8.5) Need for additional observation sessions to capture peak visits A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

BCD A Jogging track Tennis courts Skateboard park Observed sport/exercise use of a park (Fig. 8.6) Active Non-active A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Observation recording sheet: counts (Fig 8.7) Site ObserverDateStart timeFinish time Zone ActivitySkateboard park TrackTennis court A Tennis court B Tennis court C Tennis court D Participants Referees etc. Spectators Comments A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Usage data recorded (Table 8.1) InactiveJoggingSkateboardingTennisTotal TimeNo. of people observed (spot counts) 8 am am am am noon pm pm pm pm pm pm pm Total Average A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Analysing data: park/sport centre use (Fig. 8.8) A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Estimating day visit numbers from spot counts (Table. 8.2) DataSourceInactive A. Average No. of users present Table B. No. of hours open Table C. No. of user-hoursA x B 197 D. Average length of stay User survey 0.5 E. No. of usersC/D 394 A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Estimating day visit numbers from spot counts (Table. 8.2) DataSourceInactiveJoggingSkate- boarding Tennis A. Average No. of users present Table B. No. of hours open Table C. No. of user-hoursA x B D. Average length of stay User survey E. No. of usersC/D A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Estimating day visit numbers from spot counts (Table. 8.2) DataSourceInactiveJoggingSkate- boarding TennisTotal A. Average No. of users present Table B. No. of hours open Table C. No. of user-hoursA x B D. Average length of stay User survey E. No. of usersC/D A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Use of technology Automatic counters – Induction loop – Pressure pad/tube – Infra-red beam – CCTV Geographic Positioning Systems (GPS) Aerial photography Still photography Video Time-lapse photography A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Just looking Observation is important in all forms of empirical research. Observing people’s behaviour at a site, in a destination, can reveal information not obtainable by any other means. Time invested in simply observing the research site is often well rewarded. A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge