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Conducting and recording observations
Conducting and recording observations
Qualitative research method
Observations require the researcher to watch and record the behaviours of their subjects.
Observations may either be:
Participant: observer participates in the activity
Non participant: observer does not participate in the activity
Open to bias, therefore systematic ways or recording information are needed, one way to do this is through the use of a sociogram. A sociogram is:
A map that is used to track/ record interactions between individuals within a group; directional arrows show the flow of interaction.
They are structured with each individual being represented by a dot, circle, point etc. Various lines and arrows then demonstrate the connection between the people. E.g.: a broken line might mean two people don't work well together.
Sociograms can identify things such as the most popular person in a group, the person who is isolated and issues of conflict and power.
(refer to page 52-53 of textbook for image)
Ethical Issues
Ethical Issues
06 Ethical Issues in Observational Studies.pdfRead through the article and take notes on the potential ethical issues related to Observation as a Research Method
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
Advantages
Provides opportunity for viewing or participating in unscheduled events
Allows for richly detailed description
Provides direct access to the event under consideration
Provide permanent record
Disadvantages
Disadvantages
Bias in the recording of events viewed
Lack of trust in the observer by those being observed
The presence of the observer may influence the behaviour of those being observed
Presenting research findings
Presenting research findings
Observers should make use of a field book to record all sessions.
The use of photographic observation with supporting comments also adds validity to findings
Notes should include the date, time of observation and the environment
Data may be presented according to key characteristics in tables, graphs and summary items
Observe the specific roles individuals adopt within groups and present research findings
Observe the specific roles individuals adopt within groups and present research findings
Activity: Secret Life of Six Sociogram
Activity: Secret Life of Six Sociogram
Watch the following clip and construct a sociogram of the interactions between the characters
See the clip below
Activity Two: Analysing a sociogram
Activity Two: Analysing a sociogram
Analyse the sociometric observation diagram (page 53, bottom) and answer the following questions. Justify each response.
Is there an obvious leader of the group?
Is there an indication of conflict within the group?
Are any group members isolated?
Is there an indication that some members are more popular than others?
Check for understanding
Check for understanding
Study the sociogram on the bottom of page 52 and the sociogram on the top of page 52 in your textbook.
Explain what each diagram indicates
Explain why this system of recording is more effective than recording data using an alternative method.
Analyse the sociogram on the bottom of page 53 of the textbook and answer the following questions:
1. Is there an obvious leader in the group?
2. Is there any indication of conflict within the group?
3. Are any group members isolated?
4. Is there any indication that some members are more popular than others?
Past HSC Question
Question 27 (6 marks) Describe the ethical issues associated with both participant and non-participant observations when conducting primary research.
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