Observer tasks

As an observer, your main task is to observe the people (person) engaging in whatever event or activity that is the focus of research. In some cases you will be involved in the event or activity. You might also ask participants questions about what is happening.

You might find yourself trying to observe everything. It is important to select aspects to focus on. These may become clearer after initial observation. If the situation is new, focus your initial observations on becoming familiar with the situation rather than on collecting information. As you start to collect information, make your observations short, so you are not overwhelmed with information. As you become at ease in the setting and more comfortable taking notes, your focus will shift to more data collection.

Here are some suggestions about what to observe (Merriam, 1988; Robson, 1993):

• Here are some suggestions about what to observe (Merriam, 1988; space organized?)
• Participants (e.g., learners, facilitators, tutors, others)
• Activities (What is happening? How do people interact? Who initiates the activities? How do people respond?)
• Time frame (When did an activity start? How long did it last? Is it repeated? What prompted it?)
• Other factors (informal and unplanned activities; nonverbal communication; symbolic and connotative meanings of words)

Other suggestions for observing include (Mills, 2000):

• Try to see the situation with new eyes and to approach the situation as if you were an outsider.
• Watch for things that stand out, and for contradictions. For instance, you might notice that particular individuals are dominating a situation. Or you may note a contrast in what people say and what they actually do.