OBSERVATION

1. OBSERVATION Observation is a technique that involves systematically selecting, watching and recording behaviour and characteristics of living beings, objects or phenomenon. Observations can give additional, more accurate information on behaviour of people than interviews or questionnaires. They can also check on the information collected through interviews on sensitive topics such as alcohol or drug use.

2. TYPES OF OBSERVATION Observation of human behaviour is a much-used data collection technique and can be undertaken in different ways: Participant observation � the observer takes part in the situation he or she observes. Non-participant observation - the observer watches the situation, openly or concealed, but does not participate Structured Observation. Structured observations are usually done using a checklist containing a defined scale. In this case observations are regarded as measurements. Unstructured observation � haphazard and without any order but informed by the research questions

3.  Making ethnographic/ descriptive observations Everyday you spend in the field will involve making observations. It means approaching the activity in process without any particular question in mind, but only the general question, �what is going on here?� Descriptive observations usually include a considerable amount of information about the observer�s actions. You shall describe where you went, what you did, where you sat, how you overheard things, and what you saw. Take note that a description of any kind is always from some point of view and may include the observer�s thoughts and feelings. For example, you might say, I wondered if this is the place where I have to work�.and �I felt a little out of place��

4. What are social situations? Descriptive observations are done when researchers have little knowledge of a social situation. Such observations take the form of a grand tour observation, e.g., the common experience of having someone show us around their house, place of work or school. Three major features can identify social situations: place, actor, and activities, which provide a possible grand tour description.

5. What are social situations? Nine major dimensions of every social situation. Space: the physical place or places Actor: the people involved Activity: a set of related acts people do Object: the physical things that are present Act: single actions that people do Event: asset of related activities that people carry out Time: the sequencing that takes place over time Goal: the things people are trying to accomplish Feeling: the emotions felt and expressed

6. Guidelines to making Observations Observers should reveal their identity when asked to? Observations may be combined with conversation where necessary to clarify emerging issues. Note taking not permitted during observations but reporting should be done immediately after observation to avoid memory lapse � classical approach Being flexible during observation, e.g., engaging in casual talk with other social actors at the scene of observation. Being conscious of gender concerns. Do not use judgmental statements. Sensitivity in use of language that does not portray the providers as incompetent and wanting or the clients as worthless people not deserving in attention.

7. How to Record Field observations Record your observations as you see them. In your records you should keep in mind the language identification principle. You should identify the language used for each fieldnote entry especially when this differs from the language used in the actual field situation. Different types of field notes

8. The Condensed Account You are advised to make a condensed account immediately after making observations. The condensed account is the best way to quickly record phrases and to identify major events. This should include phrases, single words, and unconnected sentences. You should try to find a convenient place where you can make condensed notes immediately following each observation. The sooner you record your observations the more vivid and detailed your account.

9.  The Expanded Account This type of field notes represents an expansion of the condensed version. This should be done to fill in details and recall things that were recorded in the condensed account. The key words and phrases jotted down can serve as useful reminders to create the expanded account. When expanding keep in mind the language identification principle, the verbatim principle, and the concrete principle.

10.  A Fieldwork Journal You should always keep a journal. Like a diary, this will contain a record of experiences, ideas, fears, mistakes, confusions, breakthroughs, and problems that arise during fieldwork. A journal represents the personal side of fieldwork; it includes reactions to informants and feelings you sense from others. Each journal entry must be dated.

11. Different roles of the observer Complete participant - The true identity and purpose of the complete participant are not known to those whom he observes. Interacts as naturally as possible. Role-pretense is a basic theme in these activities. Participant-as-Observer - one participates fully with the group under study, but makes it clear that he is also undertaking research. The problem here is that the people being studied may shift much of their attention to the research project rather than focusing on the natural social process.

12. Observer roles Observer-as-participant - The researcher identifies him or herself as a researcher and interacts with the participants in the social process but makes no pretense of actually being participant. Contact is brief and superficial and is most likely to misunderstand the informants, and to be misunderstood by him. Complete Observer - The role entirely removes the researcher from social interaction with informants. Observes a social process without becoming a part of it in anyway. The subjects might not realize that they are being studied because of the researcher�s unobtrusiveness.