Observation

Observation is a method of data collection in which researchers observe

within a specific research field.
Observation involves situating what we see in relation to what we know
about a particular setting. The ways in which we ‘observe’ depend on a
variety of factors, including our background experiences, training,
familiarity with a setting, and interests.
However, factors like access to subjects and situations, the role of the
observer, constraints of time and space, and ethical considerations (such as
consent and confidentiality) would affect the decision on whether or not to
use observation as a research method, and when to use it.
Purpose of Observation
The aim of observation, to the maximum extent possible, is to remove the
researcher from the actions and behaviours so that they are unable to
influence them.
Types of Observation
Observation method can be categorised as structured and unstructured or
based on the role of observer. But for the purpose of this class, observation
method will be categorised based considerations of whether the
subject/object of observation is being directly or indirectly observed.
Direct Observation
Direct observation means that you, as the researcher, would study
particular events, spaces and behaviours directly and in ‘real time’, without
any intermediaries. In the process of conducting direct observation, usually
anthropologists create an ethogram, or a list of behaviours. For example,
you might sit in on a staff meeting at a hospital in order to gain insights into
the dynamics of staff supervision. You are observing what is going on in the
meeting (through interactions, gestures, expressions).
Indirect Observation
In indirect observation, you infer something about the subject of the study
indirectly through clues, traces or artefacts. For example, you might
examine the number of meat left on a chicken bone in order to say
something about eating behaviour, or look at rubbish bins outside a
household to examine household waste disposal practices.
Criteria for Observation method
• The observation should serve a specific research purpose
• The ‘data’ you intend to collect through observation should be
related to a hypothesis or pre-existing idea that is derived from your
review of the literature and/or your theoretical framing of the
project
• The observation should be systematically planned and carried out
• The observation must be recorded systematically
Role played by observer in the field
Observer can be either overt or covert in the field depending on the nature
of topic or participants under the study. These roles relate to whether or
not those being observed know they are being observed. Overt observations
are situations where the participants know they are being observed,
whereas covert observations are studies where participants are not aware
that they are being observed.
When participants know they are being observed for research purposes,
they may initially behave quite differently from what they do normally,
although most researchers note that they revert back to ‘normal’ behaviour
within a short period of time. On the other hand, covert observation may be
difficult to justify ethically, although it may reveal a wealth of information
which might otherwise not be possible to gain.
Recording observations
There are different components to the notes that might be recorded,
depending on your overall aim, the purpose of the observation, and the
training.
Identifying Information
These are notes that help you to manage observational data.
Descriptive notes
These notes constitute the body of your ‘data’.
Analytical notes
These notes are often placed in brackets and involve interpretation, or
inferences on your part.
Reflexive notes
These notes reflect on the process of observation itself, as well as the
broader purpose of the observation.
Things to note during observation
Space: the physical place or places.
Actor: the people involved
Activity: a set of related acts people do
Object: the physical things which are present.
Act: single actions that people do.
Event: a set of related activities that people carry out.
Time: the sequencing that takes place over time.
Goal: the things people are trying to accomplish.
Feelings: the emotions felt and expressed.
Reflection: your personal response to any of the above.

Advantage of observation method

• The research is in a better position to understand and capture the
context within which people interact.
• First-hand experience with a setting allows researchers to open to
discovery and inductive, rather than guessing what the context is
like.
• The research may see things that routinely escape awareness of the
participant using a different method.
• It provides a chance to learn things that people may be unwilling to
discuss in an interview.

Seminar question
By using actual case examples, discuss the challenges that may face
anthropologists conducting covert observation.