1. Chapter 8 Observation

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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Usage data recorded (Table 8.1) InactiveJoggingSkateboardingTennisTotal TimeNo. of people observed (spot counts) 8 am06006 9 am545014 10 am627217 11 am15412637 12 noon20615647 1 pm2212171061 2 pm301418668 3 pm251015656 4 pm20622452 5 pm2212191265 6 pm22412644 7 pm10012426 Total1978015462493 Average16.46.712.85.241.1 A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

11. 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

12. Estimating day visit numbers from spot counts (Table. 8.2) DataSourceInactive A. Average No. of users present Table 8.1 16.4 B. No. of hours open Table 8.1 12 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

13. Estimating day visit numbers from spot counts (Table. 8.2) DataSourceInactiveJoggingSkate- boarding Tennis A. Average No. of users present Table 8.1 16.4 6.712.85.2 B. No. of hours open Table 8.1 12 C. No. of user-hoursA x B 197 8015462 D. Average length of stay User survey 0.5 0.32.0 E. No. of usersC/D 394 2677731 A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

14. Estimating day visit numbers from spot counts (Table. 8.2) DataSourceInactiveJoggingSkate- boarding TennisTotal A. Average No. of users present Table 8.1 16.4 6.712.85.241.1 B. No. of hours open Table 8.1 12 C. No. of user-hoursA x B 197 8015462493 D. Average length of stay User survey 0.5 0.32.0 1.6 E. No. of usersC/D 394 2677731769 A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

15. 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

16. 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