1. Lecture II : Observation
INF 5220 Autumn 2010

2. Training to become a skilled observer (Patton 2002, 260-261)
Learning to pay attention, see what there is to see, and hear what there is to hear
Practice in writing descriptively
Acquiring descipline in recording field work notes
Knowing how to separate detail from trivia to achive the former without being overwhelmed by the latter
Using rigorous methods to validate observations – be thourough!
Reporting the strengths and limitations of one’s own perspective, which requires both self-knowledge and self-disclosure

3. Types of observations Participant Onlooker Open (consent)
Tell everyone in a board that you as a member of the group will study how different activities come into play using various kinds of social media
Telling everyone in an environmental movement that you are present, why you are there and how you will use the material
Covert (ethical issues)
Taking part in a religious group not telling why you are there
Studying children from a bench in the park

4. Some aspects to consider when observing
Time – how long do I need to be present (data becomes repetitive or as long as the activity takes)?
What happens and what does not (what is expected from a situation – make notes in advance)?
Who are your key informants (all parts of the organisation, leaders, newcomers)?
From notes to videorecordings or combinations
Theoretical perspectives – talk, artefacts, gestures, institutional aspects, disciplinary issues – combinations of theories?