Chapter 6.

Fieldwork Strategies and Observation Methods

Folk Wisdom About Human Observation

The Value of Observational Data

Fieldwork Variations

Variations in Observational Methods

Variations in Observer Involvement:

a. Participant or Onleeker?
b. Overt and Covert Ouservations
c. Variations in Duration of Observations
d. Variations in Observational Focus
e. Dimensions Along Which Filedwork Varies : An Overview

What to Observe:

A Sensitizing Framework

Sources of Data

a. The Program Setting

b. The Human, Social Environment
c. Planned Program Implementation Activities and Formal Interactions
d. Informal Interactions and Unplanned Activities
e. The Native Languageof the Program
f. Nonverbal Communication
g. Unobtrusive Indicators
h. Program Documents
i. Observing What Does Not Happen
j. Sources of Data Reviewed
k. Creativity in Filedwork