Scribd
Upload
3 views

Lecture 8. Observation

The lecture on Research Methodology focuses on the importance of observation in research, outlining its definition, types, stages, and advantages and disadvantages. Key learning outcomes include understanding when to use observation and how to set up an observation project. The lecture emphasizes the practical aspects of conducting observations and the contexts in which they are most effective.

Uploaded by

dinhntm1201
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
3 views

Lecture 8. Observation

The lecture on Research Methodology focuses on the importance of observation in research, outlining its definition, types, stages, and advantages and disadvantages. Key learning outcomes include understanding when to use observation and how to set up an observation project. The lecture emphasizes the practical aspects of conducting observations and the contexts in which they are most effective.

Uploaded by

dinhntm1201
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 19

TRƯỜNG ĐẠI OF

HANOI UNIVERSITY HỌCSCIENCE


BÁCH KHOAAND
HÀ NỘI
TECHNOLOGY
School of Foreign Languages

A course of Research Methodology – FL3080

Lecture
8
Observation

Pham Thi Minh Trang, M.A.


School of Foreign Languages, HUST
LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this lecture, you should be able to:

1 Understand the importance of observation in research

2 Decide when to use observation as a research technique

3 Outline the main steps in setting up an observation project

Observation Lecture 8 2
LECTURE OUTLINE

1 Definition of observation

2 Types of observation

3 Stages of observation

4 Advantages & disadvantages

Observation Lecture 8 3
1. DEFINITION

“Gathering data by watching behavior, events,


or noting physical characteristics in their natural
setting” (Williams, 2009, p.125).

Observation Lecture 8 4
2. TYPES OF OBSERVATION

• Overt and covert observation


• Direct and Indirect observation
• Participant and Non Participant observation
• Subjective and Objective observation

Observation Lecture 8 5
2. TYPES OF OBSERVATION

Overt observation Covert observation

• Everyone knows they • No one knows they are

are being observed. being observed and the


observer is concealed
=> people are more likely
to behave naturally
Example: Another teacher sat
in a class to observe some Example: Another teacher
lessons with students’ and observe some lessons without
teachers’ acknowledgement. students’ acknowledgement.

Observation Lecture 8 6
2. TYPES OF OBSERVATION

Direct observation Indirect observation

• watch interactions, • watch the results of


processes, or interactions, processes,
behaviors as they or behaviors.
occur.

Example: Another teacher sat Example: Another teacher


in a class to observe some watched video recording of
lessons with students’ and some lessons of a class and
teachers’ acknowledgement. observed students’ behaviors

Observation Lecture 8 7
2. TYPES OF OBSERVATION

Participant Non-participant
observation observation
• Observer takes part • Observer observes the
in the activities, then activities, but doesn’t
write notes and take part in them.
reflections later.

Example: A researcher Example: A researcher only


participated in class activities observed students doing in class
and experienced the activities activities and and take notes
with groups of students.

Observation Lecture 8 8
2. TYPES OF OBSERVATION
Subjective Objective
observation observation
• personal opinions, • measurable facts
feelings, thoughts of • can be seen, felt,
observer. tasted…
• can not be seen, felt,
tasted…
Example: A researcher asked Example: A researcher asked
participants to describe her participants to report writing exam
anxiety during writing exam. questions and writing homework

Observation Lecture 8 9
3. STAGES IN AN OBSERVATION PROJECT

1. Choose a site(s) 6. Decide what to observe


2. Choose an observation point(s) 7. Divide the site into small zones
3. Choose a time period(s) to cover 8. Design a data recording sheet
4. Decide whether to observe 9. Conducting observation
continuously or undertake spot counts 10. Analyze results
5. Decide on observation schedule

Observation Lecture 8 10
3. STAGES IN AN OBSERVATION PROJECT

Stage 6: Decide what to observe


• Decide what to observe in the class:
- Group activities
- Individual activities
- Listening activities
- Answering activities
…

See an Observation Checklist Example


attached.
Observation Lecture 8 11
3. STAGES IN AN OBSERVATION PROJECT
Stage 8: Record data
• After observing, you will gather all the
information about the activities of the class: in
form of table, map, …
E.g:
Activities The number of people do

Group activities 80%

Individual activities 78%

Listening activities 30%

Answering questions 20%

Checking answers 90%

Observation Lecture 8 12
4. ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

Advantages

• Collect data where and when an event


or activity is occurring.
• Does not rely on people’s willingness or
ability to provide information.
• Allows you to directly see what people
do rather than relying on what people
say they did.

Observation Lecture 8 13
4. ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

Disadvantages

• People usually perform better when


they know they are being observed.
• This method does not increase your
understanding of why people behave as
they do.

Observation Lecture 8 14
4. ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

When should you use observation


for evaluation?

Observation Lecture 8 15
4. ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
When should you use observation
for evaluation?
• When you are trying to understand an
ongoing process or situation.
• When you are gathering data on individual
behaviors or interactions between people.
• When you need to know about a physical
setting.
• When data collection from individuals is not a
realistic option.

Observation Lecture 8 16
LECTURE SUMMARY

1. Definition of observation

2. Types of observation

3. Stages of observation

4. Advantages and Disadvantages

Observation Lecture 8 17
REFERENCES:

Hayllar, B. & Veal, T. (1996). Pathways to research. Melbourne:


Heinemann.
Thomas, G. (2009). How to Do your Research Project: A Guide
for Students in Education and Applied Social Sciences. London:
SAGE
Walliman, N. and Buckler, S. (2008). Your Dissertation in
Education. London: SAGE

Observation Lecture 8 18
School of Foreign Languages
Hanoi University of Science and Technology

Thank you for watching the lecture.

19

You might also like