ABSTRACT
This chapter covers most methods that are generally classed as observation. In a sense, all data from people are gathered through some form of observation, but the techniques described here mostly involve direct records of participant behaviour as it occurs, rather than methods of requesting information (interview, questionnaire) or of manipulation (experiment). Distinctions are made between the following: l Observational technique and design; observations can be simply the technique
for measuring the dependent variable in an experiment but observational designs rely primarily on observational records of relatively unconstrained, natural behaviour.
