» The aim of participant observation is to develop

theory and avoid mere story telling

» Structured observation is concerned with the

frequency of events. It is characterised by high
levels of predetermined structure and quantitative
analysis

» The main threats to reliability and validity are

subject error, time error and observer effects
R bservation involves the systematic
observation , recording, description
analysis and interpretation of people¶s
behaviour¶

Saunders w
. (2009)

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»  observation ± emphasises the discovery

of meaning attached to actions (qualitative)

» 
observation ± is concerned with

frequency of actions (quantitative)


 

R
here the researcher attempts to

participate fully in the lives and actions
of subjects, enabling them to not
merely observe what is happening but
also feeling it¶

Adapted from Gill and Johnson (2002)

   


» Used both as the principle research method

and in combination with other methods

» Researchers become immersed in the

research setting

» Researchers try to understand the process by

which individual identity is constructed and
more importantly ³reconstructed´
Ô
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» Purpose of the research and time available

» Degree of suitability felt by the researcher

» rganisational access

» Ethical considerations
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» Choosing an Roff the shelf¶ coding schedule
Box 8.1 provides a checklist.
» Designing your own coding schedule
Guidelines for developing your own coding
schedule is available in Table 8.1
» Combining both types of schedule
A specimen for recording sheet for
observing behaviour in groups is
provided in Figure 8.2
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» Subject error: Choosing subjects who are

Rabnormal¶ examples of the population under
study
» Time error: The time period that does not provide
data of the Rtypical¶ time of the total time period,
e.g. utput of the sales persons an hour before lunch would be
lower.
» bserver effects: strategies to overcome ±
habituation, so that the subject takes it for granted and
minimal interaction, the observer melts down into the
background¶, Robson (2002)
» ï


 





  


 
  
 
 








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