Chapter Eighteen - Additional Resources

Box 18.1 : A structured observation schedule 

1. The preliminary tasks

Have you

• Clearly described the research problem?
• Stated the precise aim of the research?
• Developed an explanation which either links your research to a theory or says why the observations should be made?
• Stated the hypotheses (if any) to be tested?
• Identified the appropriate test statistic (if needed)?

2. The observational system

Have you

• Identified the type(s) of behaviour to be observed ?
• Developed clear and objective definitions of each category of behaviour?
• Checked that the categories are complete, and cover all the target behaviours?
• Checked that each category is clearly distinct from the others?
• Checked that the differences between each category are easily seen in the observing situation?

3. The observational process

Have you

• Identified an appropriate location to make your observations?
• Decided which data sampling procedure to use?
• Decided whether to use overt or covert observation?
• Decided whether to use one or more observers to collect information?

4. And finally . . .

Have you

• Designed the data collection sheet?
• Reviewed the ethical standards of the investigation?
• Run a pilot study and made any necessary amendments to the observation system, or procedure?
• If more than one observer has been used, made a preliminary assessment of inter-observer reliability?

Source: Dyer (1995: 186)

Box 18.3 : Structured, unstructured, natural and artificial settings for observation