RMCT 09 Observation BTM

Research Methods in Computing and Technology

CT098-3.5-2

Observation – Part 1

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology 02 Research & Literature Searches

Topic & Structure of the lesson

• Participant Observation – Role– Factors that determine your role– Types of data generated by Participant

Observation– Data Collection


Learning Outcomes

At the end of this topic, you should be able to:• Decide which observation method to adopt

according to the role • Understand what type of data is generated by

participant observation


Participant Observation

• Researcher – participate fully in the lives and activities of the

subjects – becomes a member of their group / organization /

community


Role of Participant Observation

Participant as Observer

Complete Participant

Observer as Participant

Complete Observer

Researcher’s identity is revealed

Researcher’s identity is concealed

Researcher takes part in activity

Researcher observes activity


Complete Participant

• Researcher – attempting to become a member of the group in

which he / she is performing the research– Does not need to reveal true purpose to group

members• Issues

– Ethical?– Lose sight of research purpose?


Complete Observer

• Researcher – Does not reveal the purpose of the activity to

those being observed• Eg: Can be used in studying consumer

behavior in supermarket• Used in exploratory research


Observer as Participant

• Researcher would be a participant but only as a spectator

• Identity of the researcher is known • Misses out on emotional involvement


Participant as Observer

• Reveals role as researcher• Both researcher and subject are aware it a

fieldwork relationship• Idea is to gain trust• Can ask questions to enhance understanding


Factors that determine your role as a researcher

• Purpose of the research– Understand a phenomenon when subjects will be defensive –

complete participant– Understand what it is like to be a participant – esp. training –

observer role• Time to devote to research

– Have time – attachment to a company – complete participant• Degree to which you feel suited to participant

observation• Organizational access• Ethical considerations


Types of data generated by participant observation

Types of data generated

by participant observation

Primary Observations• what has happened• what was said at the

time

Secondary Observations• Statements by

observers • Involves

interpretation

Experiential Data• Data on perceptions

& feelings

Factors material to research settings• Roles played• Roles changed• Organizational structure• Communication patterns


Data Collection

Descriptive Observatio

n

Narrative Account


Quick Review Question

Discuss the challenges a researcher would face when carrying out participant observations method of gathering data.


Q & A

Question and Answer Session

RMCT 09 Observation BTM

Documents

Transcript of RMCT 09 Observation BTM