ABSTRACT

In broad terms, observations may be considered a fundamental data collection method used to gain an understanding of participants, behaviors, processes, or artifacts (Angrosino 2004, 2007; Bottorff 2004). Observational research takes a variety of forms depending on the object of analysis, and the approach adopted is often discipline specific. In the social sciences, scholars may opt to conduct naturalistic observation, whereby researchers observe participants in their natural setting (Mehl and Robbins 2012). This type of observation situates the researcher as a neutral outside party to a given activity or interaction, though achieving absolute neutrality can be difficult. Creswell (2013) refers to this role as a non-participant observer, and suggests that the researcher need not be physically present. In contrast, Kawulich (2005) describes participant observation in which the researcher adopts the dual role of observer and active participant in activities. Here, the researcher operates from within the social interaction or context, which, as DeWalt and DeWalt note, aims to “develop a holistic understanding of the phenomena under study” (2011: 110). Brief mention should also be made of the notion of self-observation, in which participants observe their own behavior and act as informants (Rodriguez and Ryave 2002).