Week 4

Question 1

What is naturalistic observation?

Answer 1

A qualitative data collection method where the researcher looks at people in a natural setting, systematically studying what happens and noting and reporting it. Analysis is inductive. Origins in ethnographic studies.

Question 2

Levels of naturalistic participant observations

Answer 2

Complete participant, participant as observer, observer as participant, complete observer

Question 3

Hawthorne effect

Answer 3

Participants change their behaviour as a result of being observed or studied

Question 4

Steps in naturalistic observation

Answer 4

1. Descriptive - orientation to the field under study (general observations)
2. Focused - narrows perspective on processes and problems most essential for research question
3. Selective - towards end of study focused on finding further examples/evidence for types of processes in step 2

Question 5

Advantages and disadvantages of participant observation

Answer 5

A: immediacy of data, less disruptive than interviews, open settings easy to access
D: extended period of observation, closed settings difficult to access, ethical issues if covertly observing, need to manage relationships

Question 6

Physical and virtual documentary sources

Answer 6

Inquiry that is text based or non-text based, might consist of written documents, records, graphics, photographs and film

Question 7

Do you need to apply for ethics approval to access and analyse online data sources on social media?

Answer 7

Not when materials are on public domain, but yes when in a private website and where membership is required to view content

Question 8

Advantages and disadvantages of physical and virtual documentary sources

Answer 8

A: data in words of participants, a lot available, convenient to access, saves time and cost of participant recruitment
D: some data not readily available, documents may not be full accounts/accurate, may not directly answer research question, uncertainty about ethical use

Question 9

Art based approach

Answer 9

Participant - response, participant - generated

Question 10

Advantages of art based approach

Answer 10

put participant at ease, provide concrete examples, break up monotony of other methods, personalise activity

Question 11

Audiovisual advantages and disadvantages

Answer 11

A: unobtrusive collection, novel data collection, cultural way for participants to engage
D: may be difficult to interpret, may not be accessible, may need publishers permission, advice about legal aspects (copyright)