Observation

What is observation?

Although the term 'observation' suggests watching what happens, it also includes listening; observation data are often in the form of examples of what people have said.

Real-life observation may occasionally be used as the sole method in a study but more frequently it will be used alongside other methods, particularly in the types of study undertaken in higher education.

Why use observation?

Observation is probably the most effective way to see what people do and to hear what they say. For example, if you want to know whether the way you have reorganised your small groups teaching leads to male or female students increasing their contributions, you can probably gain more accurate information by watching them before and after your reorganisation than by asking them. You will, of course, need to decide what you will tell the students about your observations and how far you think this will influence their behaviour (see Robson, p313, for further discussion of this). As with all research, the approach used must be ethical.

Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research. London: Routledge. 2nd Edition