This document discusses observation as a research method. It defines observation as having three purposes: to learn, to describe, and to evaluate. There are two types of observation perspectives: descriptive observation, which describes tangible actions, and evaluative observation, which assesses against criteria. Researchers can be participant observers who participate fully or non-participant observers with minimal involvement. Data can be captured in real-time through field notes or with audio/video recording or screen capturing software. Tips are provided for writing detailed, descriptive field notes and developing an observation protocol to focus the observation.

1. Observation
Zacharias (2011) - Research Methods

2. The purpose of conducting an observation
To learn
To acquire and
develop “action-
system
knowledge”
To describe
To provide a rich
and complete
description of
what happens in
the classroom
To evaluate
To observe
someone or
something
against a pre-
determined set
of observational
categories
RESEARCH
A PHENOMENON

3. Types of observation
Observation
Perspective
Descriptive
observation
Happenings, events,
tangible actions
Evaluative
observation
Against values, norms,
criteria
Researcher
involvement
Participant
observation
Researcher fully
participated in all
activities of the
participants
Non-
participant
observation
Minimal involvement in
the research setting

4. Howto capture observational data? (Wallace, 1998)
Real time
without
using any
electronic
means
Audio
recording
using a
portable
cassette/dig
ital recorder
Video
recording
using a
video
camera
Screen
Capturing
(mine)
Using a
software for
capturing
any actions
on a
computer
screen

5. Real time Capturing
Real time
observation
tools
Field notes
Broad
Dynamics of the class
Generating ideas for
research
Focus
Specific issues
Research questions
Observation
protocol
For data appropriateness,
points to observe

6. Tips for writing a field note
• Write descriptive account only
 What you can see & listen
 Descriptive, NOT evaluative
 Example: Which one is descriptive?
o Students were very active in responding to the
teacher’s questions.
o Students did not seem to understand the
teacher’s instruction.

7. Tips for writing a field note
• Try to write as descriptively as you can.
 Numbers, mental picture, details
 Examples
o When the teacher asked the question, ‘Who can
explain what past tense is?’, ten out of twenty
students raised their hands.
o When teaching the word ‘car,’ the teacher showed
photographs of a blue VW, a bright red sedan, and a
brown pick-up.

8. Tips for writing a field note
• If you happen to write evaluative accounts, accompany
them with descriptive account.
 Examples:
o The teacher’s voice was too soft. I could barely hear what
she said from the back row (the place where I was sitting).
o When the teacher lectured about a good introduction,
many of the students seem bored. Many of the students
looked down and played with their mobile phones, several
students flipped their coursebooks aimlessly, and some
even felt asleep.

9. Tips for writing a field note
• Write in the language you are comfortable in
 More details
 More understandable to transfer later

10. Observation Protocol
• Developed before the observation
• Focus, focus, focus!
 Selective observation
• Only write things that can be observed,
instead of your impression and feelings of
what happens.

11. Types of Observation Protocol
Observation
Protocol
(Dornyei,
2007)
An event-
sampling
protocol
The total
frequency of the
events or
procedures
observed
A time-
sampling
protocol
The time when it
occurs,
“chronological
representation”

12. Focus of classroomobservation (Mackay & Gass, 2005)
Teacher
StudentsContext
See some ideas
for each focus in
Zacharias (2011)

13. Preparation for observation
Pick strategic
seating
Prepare your
equipment
Prepare you
observation
protocol
Pilot your
observational
protocol
and/or field
notes