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Participant-Observation

This outline delves into qualitative research methods focusing on participant observation. It covers critical aspects such as selecting field sites, systematic population sampling, and the recording of field notes. The discussion emphasizes the importance of balanced observation, the nuanced role of the researcher as both participant and observer, and the careful documentation of experiences without bias. Key strategies for effective data collection and reflection on conventional thinking are highlighted, alongside practical assignments to enhance observational skills.

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Participant-Observation

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  1. INFO 272. Qualitative Research Methods Participant-Observation

  2. Outline • Review: Thinking about Selection • Observation • Participation • Recording (Field Notes)

  3. …continuing from last week’s discussion of ‘Selection’ / Sampling…

  4. Systematic Population Selection Social strata, functions and categories (known) Representations (unknown) Varieties of: Belief Attitudes Opinions Stereotypes Ideologies Worldviews Habits Practices [Bauer and Gaskell]

  5. Selecting Field Sites • Some work is clearly ‘sited’ • Some is not (amorphous social settings) – and therefore locating such work will be more involved • Multi-sitedness and logistics (next week)

  6. Selection from Observation • Description (in field notes) is a selection from what is observed – we do this implicitly [Becker] • If it is done well, conscientiously, creates new categories and ideas that ‘get around conventional thinking’

  7. How to Observe (2 impossible tasks) • (1) Evenly distributed attention • (2) Direct observation and description without interpretation as a way to challenge conventional thinking, discover new categories, concepts [Becker] When relying on observation alone be very careful about imputing motives, general mind-reading.

  8. How to Participate Varying degrees: • ‘going native’ at the extreme • striking a balance between insider and outsider • Researchers role as translator

  9. How to Record Field Notes • when? as soon as possible • where? somewhere unobtrusive • what? – “a running description of events, people, things heard and overheard, conversations among people, conversations with people.” – [Lofland and Lofland] • KEY IDEA: Log more data than you know you will need (to support an inductive analytical approach)

  10. How to Record Field Notes

  11. Jottings vs. full field notes

  12. http://www.studioincite.com/73urbanjourneys/map.htm

  13. Assignment 1 • Practice evenly distributing your attention • Practice breaking down your observation into the most basic descriptions (and distinguish this from your interpretations) • Practice recording more data than you think is relevant • Practice thinking iteratively • Bonus points for approaching and engaging strangers in your quest to understand the social setting

  14. Sites • Off the Grid event - 5 • Art Murmur - 2 • Gym - 3 • Grocery Store - 3 • Bars / Nightclubs - 1 • Libraries - 0 • Sproull Plaza - 3 • Bathrooms - • Church / Place of Worship – 1 • BART station, ticket kiosk - 3 • Shops - 1 • Cafes (coffee shop) - 3 • Parks - 3 • Classrooms (intro to computers) - 3 • Hackerspaces - 2 • ATMs - 4 • Movie Theaters - 1

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