Observations

Question 1

different respondants

Answer 1

Interviews - participant
Questionnaire – respondent
Observations - informant

Question 2

definition

Answer 2

Systematic viewing, recording, description, analysis, and interpretation of people’s behaviour

Question 3

in logistics

Answer 3

– want to look at processes, observe the actual goings of people and machinery

Question 4

Traditional approaches:

Answer 4

• Participant – researcher is involved (qualitative)
o High level of immersion
o Nuanced understanding
• Structured – concerned with frequency of actions (quantitative)
o Use coding schedule, use technology
o Highly structured
o Not to understand

Question 5

Technological updates:

Answer 5

• Internet - observe or participate with members of an online community
o Can observe only, or participate
o Does everyone participate and does dominant members represent the group?
o Gives record of exchanges
• Video – record and collect observational data
o Creates record, rich data, allow for reflection
o Challenging, intrusive, ethically problematic

Question 6

Factors that determine the choice of (participant) observer role:

Answer 6

• Ethical considerations
• Purpose of research
• Level of skill researcher has
• Depth of understanding required