Observational research involves directly observing and recording behaviors and perspectives of participants in their natural environment. It is commonly used alongside other qualitative methods like interviews and focus groups. Pros of observational research include its flexibility, ability to directly measure behaviors, and provide an insider perspective, while cons include it being time-consuming, difficult to record everything, and potentially invasive or intrusive. Key aspects of observational research include developing relationships with participants, refining the study design based on initial observations, selecting additional participants, following up with participants, and considering ethical issues around disclosure and consent.

1. Observational Research 697 Qualitative Research February 20, 2008 By: Eddie Gose, Mark Hines, Lisa Waters

3. What is observational research? Observation of people in action Act of recording that which is being observed Roots in ethnographic research Goal is to help the researcher learn perspectives held by participants (Mack, et al., 2005) Used in conjunction with other methods (e.g. interviews, focus groups, content analysis)

4. Theory behind the method Need details

5. How do we go about it? Participative Covertly Overtly

6. Pros & Cons Pros Flexible Directly measures behavior Gives researcher “insider” view Allows for morphing of study Open-ended Cons Time consuming Difficult to record everything Subjective Participants may not act in true nature Hard to be an “insider” Invasive & intrusive Not generalizable Can’t measure cognitive or affective

7. Forms of data collection Field notes Video Audio Transcripts Need more

8. Phases of observational research Phase 1: develop positive relationships with participants, gatekeeper, etc. Phase 2: improve design, refocus, redefine questions after initial observations (may be ongoing) Phase 3: select additional participants as necessary Phase 4: follow up and probe deeper

9. Ethical Considerations How much do you disclose? Depends on type of research you are doing! Covert? Overt? Participative? Make your intentions clear to participants Get informed consent Develop a “code of practice” Maintain confidentiality

10. How to be an effective observer Know what you’re researching! Check in with your lens, biases, experiences and expectations -- have a blank mind ( Goldbart, J. & Hustler, D., 2004, p. 18) Know the culture Rehearse how you’ll explain your purpose Document what you observe without expectations! Summarize and expand on field notes as soon as possible Decide how you’ll observe Be open to “research problem reformulation” (Goldbart, J. & Hustler, D., 2004, p. 18)

11. Tips for conduction observational research Find an “informant” Field notes should include accounts of event, behaviors, reactions, conversations, physical gestures, etc. Go where people are engaged in their daily lives (Mack, et al., 2005)

12. What to observe (Mack, et al., 2005)

13. On your mark, get set, observe! Add the other two videos here -- give them the same instructions as we did at beginning of the PPT -- only this time, they need to employ what they have learned.

15. Add the other video

16. What did you learn?

17. Rap up

18. References and Bibliography Mack, N., Woodsong, C., MacQueen, K.M., Guest, G., & Namey, E. (2005). Qualitative research methods: A data collector’s field guide. Research Triangle Park, NC: Family Health International.