Research Methods in Computing

and Technology
CT098-3.5-2

Observation Part 1

Topic & Structure of the lesson

Participant Observation
Role
Factors that determine your role
Types of data generated by Participant
Observation
Data Collection

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Learning Outcomes
At the end of this topic, you should be able to:
Decide which observation method to adopt
according to the role
Understand what type of data is generated by
participant observation

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Participant Observation
Researcher
participate fully in the lives and activities of the
subjects
becomes a member of their group / organization /
community

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Role of Participant Observation

Researcher
takes part in
activity

Participant as
Observer

Complete
Participant
Researchers
identity is
concealed

Researchers
identity is
revealed

Observer as
Participant

Complete
Observer

Researcher
observes
activity
CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Complete Participant
Researcher
attempting to become a member of the group in
which he / she is performing the research
Does not need to reveal true purpose to group
members

Issues
Ethical?
Lose sight of research purpose?

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Complete Observer
Researcher
Does not reveal the purpose of the activity to
those being observed

Eg: Can be used in studying consumer

behavior in supermarket
Used in exploratory research

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Observer as Participant
Researcher would be a participant but only
as a spectator
Identity of the researcher is known
Misses out on emotional involvement

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Participant as Observer
Reveals role as researcher
Both researcher and subject are aware it a
fieldwork relationship
Idea is to gain trust
Can ask questions to enhance understanding

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Factors that determine your role

as a researcher
Purpose of the research
Understand a phenomenon when subjects will be defensive
complete participant
Understand what it is like to be a participant esp. training
observer role

Time to devote to research

Have time attachment to a company complete participant

Degree to which you feel suited to participant

observation
Organizational access
Ethical considerations

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Types of data generated by

participant observation
Secondary
Observations
Statements by
observers
Involves
interpretation

Experiential Data
Data on perceptions
& feelings

Primary
Observations
what has happened
what was said at the
time

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

Types of data
generated
by participant
observation

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Factors material to
research settings
Roles played
Roles changed
Organizational structure
Communication patterns

Data
Collection

Descriptive
Observation

Narrative
Account
CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Quick Review Question

Discuss the challenges a researcher
would face when carrying out participant
observations method of gathering data.

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Question and Answer Session

Q&A
CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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