1. Collecting primary data through observation
Lecture 11
Prof. development and research
Lecturer R. Milyankova

2. By the end of this lecture you should:
Understand the role that observations may play as a data collection method in your research design
Identify two types of observations – participant’s and structured observations and their different origin and applications
Adopt two particular approaches of data collection

3. What is observation? Observation involves: Systematic observation
Recording
Description
Analysis and
Interpretation of people’s behaviour

4. Types of observation:
Participant observation – discovers the meaning that people attach to their actions (more qualitative). Has its roots in social anthropology – the individual derives a sense of identity from interaction and communication with others (symbolic interactionism)

5. Types of observation:
Structured observation – more concerned with the frequency of this action (more quantitative). It is systematic and has a high level of predetermined structure. Uses self-completion diaries

6. Advantages of structured observation
It can be used by anyone after some training – so it can be delegated
The results are reliable
Not only observes the frequency of events, but also records the relationship between them
No personal interpretation on events by observers, everything is recorded the moment it happens
Structured observation secures information that otherwise would be ignored as insignificant

7. Disadvantages of structured observation
Observer must be present when phenomena happen
Research results are limited to overt action
Data is slow and expensive to collect