1. Collecting Qualitative Data
Being a Careful Observer
Merriam, Chapter Six

2. Introduction
Observations are a primary source of data collection in qualitative research.
Observations differ from interviews
Observations include informal interviews
Focus
Observation as a research tool
The problem of what to observe
The relationship of the observer and observed

3. Observation as a Research Tool
Observation is a research tool when
It is systematic
It addresses a specific research question(s)
It is subject to checks and balances to produce trustworthy results

4. Observation as a Research Tool
Observation is NOT a research tool when
Observers are not systematically prepared to observe
Observers are not trained to observe utilizing observation techniques
Example

5. Observation as a Research Tool
Training to be a skilled observer involves
Learning to pay attention
Learning how to write descriptively
Practicing the disciplined wording of field notes
Learning how to separate detail from trivia
Using rigorous methods of validation

6. Observation as a Research Tool
Reasons to use observations
An outside observer may see things that participants cannot
To triangulate findings
To see and interpret things firsthand
To record behavior as it happens
To provide information for subsequent interviews
To investigate a topic that may be difficult to talk about

7. Observation as a Research Tool
Observation is best used when
Something can be observed firsthand
A fresh perspective is needed
Participants are not able or willing to discuss the topic being investigated

8. What to Observe
Factors to consider when deciding what to observe include,
The purpose of the study
Practical considerations
How structured the researcher wants to be

9. What to Observe The Purpose of the Study
The theoretical framework of the study
The research problem
The research question(s)

10. What to Observe Practical Considerations
Is the information observable?
Does the researcher have the needed resources?
Time
Money
Permission

11. What to Observe Observation Structure
Highly structured – focused on a particular event, behavior, etc.
Less structured – scanning the whole area, event, etc.

12. What to Observe Beginning Considerations The physical setting
The participants
Activities and interactions
Conversations
Subtle factors
The observer’s behavior

13. What to Observe The Steps of the Observation Process Entry
Data Collection
Exit

14. What to Observe
Entry
Gaining the confidence and approval of those who must grant permission for the observation.
Mutual contact
Be prepared to answer questions

15. What to Observe
Entry (cont.), suggestions for the first few days in the field
Don’t take things personally.
Have someone to introduce you.
Keep the observations short.
Be positive and unobtrusive, dress appropriately
Be friendly and honest

16. What to Observe Data Collection Great concentration is required
Remember as much as possible
Record notes in as much detail as possible

17. What to Observe Exit Leaving the field can be difficult
A saturation point is reached or resources run out
It is wise to gradually decrease the frequency of visits before stopping completely
Don’t worry about whether you “got it all”

18. The Relationship between Observer and Observed
The Researcher’s Stance as an Observer
Complete Participant
Participant Observer
Observer Participant
Complete Observer
Collaborative Partner

19. The Relationship between Observer and Observed
Complete Participant
The researcher is a member of the group and conceals his or her observer role.
The intent is to not disrupt the natural activity of the group.
This stance is rarely seen in observer researchers.

20. The Relationship between Observer and Observed
Participant Observer
The group is aware of the researcher’s observer activities, but the researcher subordinates the role as observer to the role as participant.
The researcher is involved with the group and group activities without fully embracing the values and goals of the group.

21. The Relationship between Observer and Observed
Observer Participant
The researcher’s observer activities are known to the group and the researcher’s observer activities take precedence over participation activities.
The researcher interacts closely enough to establish an insider’s identity without participating in activities constituting the core of group membership.

22. The Relationship between Observer and Observed
Complete Observer
The researcher is completely hidden from the group or is in a public setting.
This stance is rarely seen in observer researchers.

23. The Relationship between Observer and Observed
Collaborative Partner
This stance is close to being a complete participant except that the researcher’s identity is clearly know by the group.
The researcher and the participants are equal partners.
They work together to define the problem, collect and analyze data, and write and disseminate the findings.

24. The Relationship between Observer and Observed
Each stance varies as to how the participants view the observer and how the observer perceives his or her role of observer and participant.
The researcher’s challenge is to understand the setting as an insider while communicating that to outsiders.

25. The Relationship between Observer and Observed
With subjectivity and interaction between the observer and the participants assumed in qualitative research, the challenge for the researcher is to identify those effects and account for them in interpreting the data.
This challenge, along with the researcher’s struggle between being an observer and participant, is summed up by Wolcott (2005). See Merriam page 128.