ABSTRACT
Like comparing, observing is a fundamental human activity, and just as comparison, observation is embedded in several research methods. Observing is part of live interviews (even if the observation part is rarely addressed in the transcriptions, eventual citations and analysis) and focus groups; it is crucial for many experimental studies (for the most part covertly). Participant
observation is the core activity in fi eldwork. In the arena of fi eldwork, fi eldworkers have increasingly left their position of uncommitted marginal observers to become engaged participants. 1 The observational part of fi eldwork and participation covers a wide range of actions and sensory perceptions that transcend the merely visual: smells, sounds, physical objects, tastes, temperature, climate and physical contact can appear more signifi cant than visual input in given situations in the fi eld.
