Considerations involved in
setting up and carrying out
an observation
By Mr Daniel Hansson
Considerations






Aim
Plan for observation
Method
Reflexive analysis
Ethical considerations
Data analysis
Aim, plan for observation,
method





Define purpose of research
Decide on what kind of notes to be
made
Make necessary arrangements for
observation
Familiarize yourself with setting and
people
Decide on observational method
(e.g. participant observation, more
than one observer, post
observational interviews)
Suggestions on what to consider
in the reflexive analysis



Possible researcher bias
Possible Hawthorne effect
Ecological validity
Ethical considerations





Informed consent (only possible
for overt observations)
Observation might stress
participants
Use of deception (if covert
participant observation)
Debriefing (sometimes difficult)
Invasion of privacy issue
Data analysis


Qualitative: Use of inductive
content analysis
Quantitative: Use of coding
schemes, frequencies and
ratings