Observation

Observation involves the use of our sensory systems (including eyes and ears) to record
behavior. These measures are the basic data used to describe naturally occurring behavior
or to assess the effects of our independent research variable. Therefore, they must be
gathered with care. Observations such as these (judgments that behavior has or has not
occurred) are inherently more subjective than other data collection procedures. Because
judgments are based on our perceptions, the same event occurring in the environment will
be perceived differently by different people (Lammers& Badea,2013).

Limitations with observation method include:

a. Change in people's behavior when they know they are being observed.

b. A 'snap shot' view of a whole situation.

c. Think Big Brother...

d. When observing and taking notes, the investigator can overlook something.

e. The investigator can make decisions, make statements of importance

or misinterpret what has been observed.

Strengths of observation method:

a. It can offer a sense for what is happening.

b. It can give an insight into the bigger picture.

c. It can demonstrate sub-groups.

d. It can be used to help plan the remainder of the study.

e. Often, in order to be recognized and better grasp the workings of the social phenomena,
the researcher becomes or wants to become a participating spectator, where he/she takes
interest in the situation.

Observation may also obtain more accurate statistics about such aspects as how persons
really behave. It may also serve as a way to validate or nullify knowledge provided in face-
to-face encounters. It is possible to study people or the climate. It can provide useful context
knowledge as the area is studied, and can inform other facets of the study.

Techniques for collecting data through observation

1. Written descriptions
The researcher offers written explanations of persons, circumstances or the
environment.
Limitations include:
• The researcher can miss an observation while taking notes.

• The researcher can concentrate on a single event or circumstance.

• There is room for contextual understanding of what's going on.

2. Video recording
Allows the researcher to also record notes.
Limitations may include:
• People acting unnaturally towards the camera or others avoiding the camera.

• The camera may not always see everything.

3. Photographs and artifacts

It is useful when there is a need to collect observable information or phenomena such as

buildings, neighborhoods, dress and appearance. Artifacts include items of interest, such as
memorabilia, equipment, instruments and others.

4. Documentation
A local publication, notes on a notice board, internal processes and practices, any of all
forms of documents may be used to provide information.

Researcher’s role in participant observation

a. Participant as observer

• The researcher explains to the community his identity as a researcher and his research
purpose.

• Researcher participates in the activities that the group does in daily basis.

• Advantage: Researcher could ask questions in the research subjects to enhance his
understanding.

• No ethical issues to be concerned with.

b. Observer as participant

• An observer for the research to be studied.

• Researchers’ identity and purpose is declared.

• Observe without taking part in the activities.

• Advantage: Can focus on your researcher role; can concentrate on your discussion with
the group.

• Disadvantage: Lack of emotional involvement, no real feelings.

• No ethical issues to be concerned with.

• Researcher tries to become a member of the sample population.

• Researcher does NOT reveal the identity.
• Researcher does NOT reveal the purpose.
• Position of spy.
• Ethics:
o Researcher is trusted by the group with a very close relationship.
o Researcher is shared with information that they would not share if they know your
true purpose.
C. Complete participant
d. Complete observer

• When observing, the researcher does NOT reveal the intent of the activity.

• The researcher is NOT active in the activity of the sample population.

• Ethics: What is the group's consensus on their personal data?

Steps in the Process of Observing (Creswell, 2007)

1. Select the research site.
This applies to the location where the core phenomenon or subject being researched can
be better understood. The first phase needed for a researcher to obtain access by a letter of
consent is a prerequisite.
2. Develop observational protocol.
A methodology used for recording observation notes is the observational protocol. This
encompasses both abstract or descriptive and reflective or teaching depending on what has
been learned.
3. Focus the observation.
Think on what captures your interest before taking some notes. There's going to be a lot on
the web, so concentrate your observation only on what makes you grasp the question of
your study.
4. Determine your role.
As a scholar, what are you going to be? Will you be an observer member, or a non-observer
participant?
5. Record field notes.
Document what you observe with the five senses, using the observation protocol. The study
should be ordered chronologically or in sequence.
6. Slowly withdraw.
Slowly withdraw after observation by thanking the participants for their time.
ACTIVITY 1

Direction: Write an observation protocol template like the one shown below and gather the
information about the topic.

Observation Topic:
What are the experiences of Grade 11 students as they study in new normal set-up? (Due
to some restrictions you can observe any member of your family who is schooling or your
closest neighbor.)
Interviews
Unstructured
• The interviews can be referred to as "depth" or "in depth". They have so little system at all.

• The interviewer may go only to discuss a small number of subjects, often as few as one or
two.

• Based on the interviewee and his previous answer, the interviewer can frame the interview
questions.

• This encourages the debate to cover topics in great depth.

• They involve the researcher needing to know or read more about a particular subject
without a framework or a preconceived plan or understanding as to how they can interact
with the subject.

Structured
• In the same way, the interviewee will ask the respondent the same questions using a
closely organized plan.

• The questions which be expressed in order to include a restricted set of answers, i.e. 'Do
you rate our services as very decent, good or bad' A researcher must decide whether a
questionnaire or a formal interview is more suitable.

• This does not cause the phenomenon under inquiry to be investigated in terms of any
scope or depth if the interview schedule is too closely scheduled.

• Qualitative interviews should be somewhat casual and participants know like they are
engaging in a dialogue or debate rather than in a formal question and answer situation.

• Skills are needed and are involved in effective qualitative analysis methods that take
careful thought and preparation.

Steps in Conducting a Qualitative Interview (Creswell, 2007)

1. Decide whether interviews are appropriate.

Participants should consent to the interview process to begin with; otherwise, this method is
not required and would not include any useful details. Evaluate if the data is sensitive and
observation would be adequate to capture the information necessary.

2. Choose the type of interview.

Would you use an interview that is orchestrated or unstructured? What type of focus group
debate or one-on-one interview are you going to use?

3. Invite Participants.

The participants should be sent a letter of approval and they must respond confirming their
consent before the interview session is held.

4. Develop an Interview Protocol.

It is a list of questions you will ask the interviewees, or guide questions. The questions are
based on your study questions and should be able to generate the appropriate knowledge
to answer your test questions.
5. Arrange the audio equipment.

Make sure the audio equipment is set. Your cellphone or some other audio recording
system can be used. In your letter of approval, it should be mentioned that you are going to
document the whole conversation and you are the only one who will have access to it.

6. Arrange for a quiet setting.

It is preferable to have a convenient and peaceful location selected by the participants.

7. Conduct the interview.

Before an interview, check the audio facilities. Next, present yourself to the respondent
interviewee and the study being done. Stay on the subject and up to the time specified in
the permission letter.

8. Follow-up after an interview.

After the talk, thank the interviewee and respect their wishes, such as copying the abstract.
In situations where follow-up is needed to explain those issues posed during the interview
process, it is important to let the interviewees know.

Parts of an Interview Protocol (Creswell, 2007)

1. Basic Information about the Interview.

This requires the time and date of the interview, the venue of the interview, and who the
respondents to be questioned are.

2. Introduction.

This gives the interviewer guidance that will act as his/her reference while performing the
session. It is a requirement for the interviewer to present him or herself, including the testing
goals.

3. Opening Question.

This is about getting to know respondents so that they can feel at ease. Healthy opening
questions are questions connected to their job or hobbies. It's necessary to avoid very
personal questions.

4. Content Questions.

These are sub-questions that are focused on the core phenomenon being studied.

5. Closing Instructions.

Thank the interviewee for his/her time.

ACTIVITY 2 (BY GROUP)

DIRECTIONS: Perform a simulation of an interview based on the given topic. The

construction of your sentences/paragraphs will be rated according the given rubric below.
Make use of a cellphone Video recorder to record the interview. Upload your videos in our
subject Facebook group and submit your interview notes at the google classroom.