Observations & Audio, Video

Recordings

Part 1

Near East Universities

ELT - Department

Presenter: Akam Azad M. Ameen

Supervisor: Dr. Çise Çavuşoğlu

OutlineWhat is observation? DefinitionWhat are types of observation?AdvantagesDisadvantagesWhy observe?Recording your observationsPlanning an observationFiltering observationObservation ProcessReferences

Observe v.Observation n.Observational adj.Observationally adv.

(Merriam-Webster dictionary)

“What you see is what you get”

By: Flip Wilson

DefinitionObservation is the act of watching, recording and analyzing

events of interest by the researcher.

(Lambert, 2012, p.106)

Observation is “a systematic method of data collection that relies on a researcher’s ability to gather data through his or her senses”. (O’Leary, 2009, p.170)

Types of observationStructured

Unstructured

Semi-structured

Non-participant

participant

Structured Vs. Unstructured, Semi-structured

Structured: Already know what you are looking for. You have a specific purpose

Unstructured: Record everything for later analysis

Semi-structured: Lies between structured and unstructured.

Participant Vs. Non-participantParticipant: Self involvement of researcher in

what is happening.

N0n-participant: watching with out self involvement

Advantages of ObservationRobson (2011) explains the advantages of observation as the

following:

It is a flexible approach.Qualitative and quantitative data can be acquiredEnables to observe what people do, say, how they interactThe gathered data can confirm, extend or contradict other data.

(cited in Lambert, 2012, p.106)

Disadvantages of observation

Intrusive approach and unwilling observationHard to observe objectivelyComplexity of the social behavior.

(Robson (2011) cited in Lambert, M. 2012, p.106)

Why observe?Improve teachingUse it as an assessment toolFind answer for unanswered questionsSolve problemsDiscover facts

Recording your observations Do not just observe, you should systematically record what you observe. You may use:

Observation guideRecording sheetChecklistField notePictureCombination of the above

Planning an observationDecide what or who to observeWhen and where the observation takes placeDevelop an observation guidePilot test the observation guideConduct the observationAnalyze data Write your findings

Filtering Observations

Observation ProcessPlanningObserve SettingRecord ObservationsReview the processRefine appropriatelyAnalyze data

References Lambert, M. (2012). A beginner’s guide to doing your education research

project. London: Sage

O’ Leary, Z. (2009). The essential guide to doing your research project.

London :Sage