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A Reflection of An English Language Classroom Observation

This document provides an introduction to observational studies. It defines observational studies as a type of data collection that involves watching, inspecting, and taking note of behaviors and environments. There are two main types of observational studies: qualitative or unstructured observations, which do not require a hypothesis and rely on the observer's skills, and quantitative or structured observations, which do require a hypothesis and involve trained observers recording predetermined behaviors. The document outlines tips for conducting unobtrusive observations and provides examples of observational situations and tools like observation guides.

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Puvanes Vadivelu
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110 views

A Reflection of An English Language Classroom Observation

This document provides an introduction to observational studies. It defines observational studies as a type of data collection that involves watching, inspecting, and taking note of behaviors and environments. There are two main types of observational studies: qualitative or unstructured observations, which do not require a hypothesis and rely on the observer's skills, and quantitative or structured observations, which do require a hypothesis and involve trained observers recording predetermined behaviors. The document outlines tips for conducting unobtrusive observations and provides examples of observational situations and tools like observation guides.

Uploaded by

Puvanes Vadivelu
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Introduction to

Observational Studies
Presented by Puvanes d/o Vadivelu
S811586

Adapted from "Using Observation to Evaluate Extension Programs" by Paul McCawley, University of Idaho
Observation…
Involves all 5 senses:
sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste
Presentation Outline
 Observational study defined
 Types of observational studies
 Observation study examples
Observation

A type of data
collection that
involves the watching,
inspecting, and taking
note of behaviors and
the environment.
Observational Situations

SITUATION:
People Watching People
EXAMPLE:
Observers stationed in
supermarkets watch
consumers check out their
groceries. The purpose is to
see how much “prepared” vs.
“fresh” food is purchased.
Observational Situations

SITUATION:
People Watching Phenomena
EXAMPLE:
Observer stationed at the fair
counting visitors moving in
various directions
Tips for Unobtrusive Observation
Observe:
Be quiet, watch,
understand
Don't explain
Don't ask the subject's
opinion
Don't defend the design
Don't apologize
Don't suggest
Don't contradict or agree
with your subject: stay
neutral
Qualitative or Unstructured Observation

In qualitative research,
a hypothesis is not needed to
begin research.
“participant observation”
It relies on the skills of the
observer to recognize and
record, behaviors.
Used to obtain an initial feel
for a situation.
Quantitative or Structured Observation

Requires a hypothesis
before research can begin.
Observers are trained to count,
record, and summarize data
about predetermined behaviors.
Can be conducted after
unstructured observation to
increase the reliability of
observations and provide an
accurate way to report data.
Reduces the potential for bias.
Participant observation:
How to do it?
What to observe?

People (individuals, groups,


communities)
Characteristics
Interactions
Behaviors
Reactions
Physical settings
Environmental features
Products/physical artifacts
Example – Observing participation
in an after school program

Who you will observe:


youth attending the program
What you will observe:
Age, gender
Length of time student stays in the program
Involvement in activities: which activities
Level of involvement
Interactions with other youth; with staff
When you will observe: all hours the program is open for one
week each month during 2014
Recording your observations

It is not good enough to just observe, you


need to systematically record your
observations.

You might use:


Observation guide
Recording sheet
Checklist
Field note
Picture
Combination of the above
Sample Observation
Guides
Guide for structured observations Guide for unstructured observations
Structured observation guide used for pre and
post program evaluation
Training –
preparation/orientation may be necessary

To learn what to look for


To learn how to record observations
To practice
To ensure that observations across sites
are consistent: observers use the same
methods, rate an observation in same way
Becoming a skilled observer
includes…

Learning to pay attention, see what there is to see,


and hear what there is to hear;
Practice in writing descriptively;
Acquiring discipline in recording notes;
Knowing how to separate detail from trivia;
Using rigorous methods to validate and triangulate
observations;
Reporting the strengths and limitations of one’s
own perspective
M.Q. Patton, 2002. Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods.
Sage, pg 260
Data analysis and interpretation

Qualitative data = qualitative data analysis


Standard content analysis
Get to know your data
Focus the analysis
Categorize information
Identify patterns and connections
Interpret – bring it all together

PDE booklet: Analyzing Qualitative Data


http://learningstore.uwex.edu/Assets/pdfs/G36
58-12.pdf
Steps in planning for observation

Determine who/what will be observed.


Determine aspects that will be observed (characteristics,
attributes, behaviors, etc.).
Determine where and when observations
will be made.
Develop the observation guide
Pilot test the observation guide
Train the observers and have them practice.
Conduct the observations
Analyze and interpret the collected information.
Write up and use your findings.
Practice
your observation skills
everyday in everyway!

And,
add observation
to your data collection
toolbox.
Are you a good observer?
THANK YOU

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