Contents
Introduction
1 Types of observation
Participant and non-participant observation
Structured and unstructured observation
Other types of observation
2 The process of observation
2.1 The research model
Selection and formulation of the
topic
Sampling procedures
The observer
Collection of the data
Recording
Analysis and reporting
3 Participant observation
4 Physical observation
4.1 Observation of objects
4.2 Observation of physical traces
4.3 Research process
5 Ethical issues
6 Strengths and weaknesses of observation
7 Problems of observation
7.1 Sources of errors
7.2 How to prevent errors
Main points
Where to from here?
Further reading