Deck 10: Using Observation

Question 1

Data gathering techniques are part of the theoretical framework, the second framework in the four frameworks approach to the research project.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

The critical decisions to be made in any observation study are: deciding what exactly is to be observed; deciding how to conduct the observation; and deciding how to record the observation.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Observation, as a data gathering method, involves the researcher watching or observing some action, activity or phenomenon, and recording what is observed in some manner.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

In any data collection exercise, the first and arguably the most critical decision to be made is the decision on exactly what data to collect.

Question 5

Participant observation is carried out by the researcher participating in some way in the activity or the phenomenon being observed.

Question 6

Data gathering techniques are part of the methodological framework, the fourth framework in the four frameworks approach to the research project.

Question 7

As observation may be unstructured, semi structured or structured, so too the observation schedule can be unstructured, semi structured or structured. The observation schedule is designed to facilitate the recording of the observation, so if the observation is unstructured, so too will be the observation schedule. If the observation is semi structured, so too will be the observation schedule. If the observation is structured, so too will be the observation schedule.

Question 8

Observation as a data gathering method can be used to generate both quantitative and qualitative data.

Question 9

Covert observation is observation that is carried out covertly, or secretly, observation that is carried out without the knowledge of those who are being observed.

Question 10

It is through theorising the data gathered, through knitting the research that is being carried out into the body of knowledge, that the researcher makes their contribution to knowledge.

Question 11

The different kinds of observation are observation, participant observation and covert observation.

Question 12

As with every data collection method, the researcher makes a decision around which observation method to use based on the aim of the research, on the population of the study, on the data requirements of the study and the best way to provide the data required by the study, and on the ethical issues in conducting the proposed research.

Question 13

Rigorous research uses appropriate data gathering methods systematically and consistently in order to thoroughly accomplish the aim and objectives of the research.

Question 14

There are no ethical issues in the use of covert observation.

Question 15

The researcher's recorded observations are the data gathered for the research project.

Question 16

Observations can be structured, semi-structured and unstructured.

Question 17

When designing an observation study, it is important to be sure to begin with that observation is an appropriate data gathering method for the study.

Question 18

Observation as a data gathering method must be used, as must all data gathering methods, in a rigorous and systematic manner.

Question 19

An observation schedule is the structure created by the researcher to facilitate the recording of the observations made.

Question 20

When you critique the use of observation in a research project you should consider the validity of the observation as a means of gathering data for that particular study. You should also consider the rigour with which the observation was designed, constructed and carried out.

Question 21

The decision to use observation, as with all decisions regarding the data collection method(s) to be used, is taken in response to:

A)The wishes of the researcher.
B)The wishes of the research supervisor.
C)The capabilities of the researcher.
D)The data requirements of the research project, and the location of that data.

Question 22

When the observation data has been gathered, it is:

A)Analysed.
B)Sometimes lost.
C)Sometimes difficult to understand.
D)Often meaningless.

Question 23

Data gathering techniques are part of the:

A)Literature review.
B)Theoretical framework.
C)Conceptual framework.
D)Methodological framework, the third framework in the four frameworks approach to the design of the research project.

Question 24

The systematic collection of data is the collection of data in a methodical, consistent manner.

Question 25

The fifth thing the researcher has to do is to:

A)Gain access to the data.
B)Decide on the data collection method to be used.
C)Design the data collection method.
D)Gather the data. Using observation, the researcher carries out the observation, observing the action or the phenomenon and recording that observation.

Question 26

The recorded observations are:

A)Sometimes useful in the research project.
B)Often referred to in the research project.
C)The data gathered, or stream of data gathered, for the research project.
D)Examined by the research supervisor.

Question 27

What is observation in social science research?

A)Observation is a data gathering method.
B)Observation is a means of data analysis.
C)Observation is part of the role of the research supervisor.
D)Observation is the requirement that every researcher be observant.

Question 28

In the written report of the research, in the thesis, the processes of gathering data, and the schedules used in data gathering, must be thoroughly detailed and explained.

Question 29

The second thing the researcher has to do is to:

A)Identify the easiest way of carrying out the research.
B)Decide on which data gathering method s/he would like to use.
C)Figure out how to gain access to the data.
D)Decide on which data gathering method the research supervisor likes to use.

Question 30

The data gathered must be able to respond to the research question, they must be able to explain in some way the phenomenon under investigation.

Question 31

The fourth thing the researcher has to do is to:

A)Decide on the easiest way of carrying out the research.
B)Decide on the data required for the research project.
C)Design the data gathering method. If observation is the method of data gathering selected, then the researcher must design the observation method to be use.
D)Decide how to gather data for the research project.

Question 32

The first thing the researcher has to do is to identify:

A)The easiest way of carrying out the research.
B)The data required for the research.
C)The means of gathering data that s/he would prefer to use.
D)The means of gathering data that the research supervisor prefers to use.

Question 33

Participant observation is:

A)A data analysis technique.
B)A data collection method.
C)One of the four frameworks in the four frameworks approach to research.
D)An element of the theoretical framework.

Question 34

The use of observation as a data gathering method can generate:

A)Quantitative data.
B)Qualitative data.
C)Both quantitative and qualitative data.
D)Numeric data.

Question 35

Covert observation is:

A)A data gathering method.
B)A data analysis technique.
C)One of the four frameworks in the four frameworks approach to research.
D)An element of the theoretical framework.

Question 36

The third thing the researcher has to do is to:

A)Select the most appropriate data gathering method for the research.
B)Identify the easiest way of carrying out the research.
C)Identify the data required for the research.
D)Decide which data gathering method s/he would prefer to use.

Question 37

The record of the observation made by the researcher is:

A)Sometimes useful.
B)The data gathered.
C)Often referred to in the research project.
D)Often difficult to read and understand.

Question 38

In using observation as a data collection method the researcher:

A)Observes the action or activity or phenomenon, and records those observations.
B)Simply observes.
C)Observes everything.
D)Trains themselves to be very observant.

Question 39

In order for data gathering to be systematic, there must be a system in place designed to facilitate the methodical collection of data.

Question 40

Observation yields primary data.

Question 41

Using participant observation the researcher:

A)While participating in or being part of the action or phenomenon being observed, observes the action or phenomenon and records that observation.
B)Engages in cognito observation.
C)Engages in close observation.
D)Engages in single observation.

Question 42

Observations can be:

A)Cognito or incognito.
B)Structured, unstructured or semi structured.
C)Close or distant.
D)Single or group.

Question 43

The field in data gathering in social research is:

A)The body of knowledge within which the research project is situated.
B)Any green field site within which research is carried out.
C)Any outdoor setting within which research is carried out.
D)The natural setting for the gathering of primary data, wherever the data gathering takes place.

Question 44

Name three different kinds of observation

Question 45

In a semi-structured observation the researcher:

A)Knows, broadly speaking, which aspects of the phenomenon or action s/he wishes to observe and so s/he designs a semi-structured observation schedule in order to facilitate that observation.
B)Is semi prepared for the observation exercise.
C)Expects to gather half of the data required for the research project.
D)Prepares to engage in a semi analytical analysis of the data gathered.

Question 46

Using unstructured observation:

A)The researcher is likely to do a bad job of observing the phenomenon under investigation.
B)The researcher has failed to properly prepare for the observation exercise.
C)The researcher goes into the field and simply observes the action or phenomenon under investigation in the research project. The recorded observations can be recorded in the research diary, or in a field diary used specifically for this purpose.
D)The researcher will have to engage in an unstructured analysis of the data gathered.

Question 47

Name the three ways in which an observation study can be structured.

Question 48

In general researchers engage in three kinds of observation. They are:

A)Observation, participant observation and covert observation.
B)Close observation, middle distance observation and distant observation.
C)Single observation, small group observation and large group observation.
D)Cognito observation, incognito observation and deep incognito observation.

Question 49

Covert observation is:

A)Carried out with the knowledge of those being observed.
B)Close observation.
C)Ethically problematic and as such it is used with caution by researchers.
D)Single observation.

Question 50

When selecting observation as a data gathering method the most important issue to be address is whether or not:

A)Observation is an appropriate data gathering method for the study.
B)The researcher knows how to carry out an observation study.
C)The research supervisor knows how to carry out an observation study.
D)The researcher would like to carry out an observation study.

Question 51

In a structured observation the researcher:

A)The researcher is very well prepared for the observation and will gather the data required.
B)Knows precisely what aspects of the phenomenon or action s/he wishes to observe and so s/he designs a structured observation schedule in order to facilitate that observation.
C)Is restricted by the structured nature of the observation in terms of the data s/he can gather.
D)Prepares to engage in a structured analysis of the data gathered.

Question 52

What kind of data can be produced in an observation study?

Question 53

The researcher's decision on how to use observation in the study is based on:

A)Their skill and capability.
B)The skill and capability of the research supervisor.
C)Their wishes for the research.
D)The requirements of the study.