Qualitative Methods
3. Observation
Exercise 2
Having completed the discussion of Observation Research, please review the following and match the aim that is most appropriately described by the concept.
The Aims are:
- 'Seeing through the eyes of'
- Description
- 'Contextualism'
- Process
- Flexible research designs
- Avoiding early use of theories and concepts
The Concepts are:
- Viewing events, actions, norms, and values from the perspective of the study subject
- Attending to mundane details to define context and provide clues to other layers of reality
- Understanding events within their wider social and historical context.
- Viewing social life as involving interlocking series of events
- Open and unstructured research model to allow for unexpected issues to be considered
- Understanding what is happening in the field before applying abstract concepts
Answers:
| Aim | Concept |
|---|---|
| 'Seeing through the eyes of' | Viewing events, actions, norms, and values from the perspective of the study subject |
| Description | Attending to mundane details to define context and provide clues to other layers of reality |
| 'Contextualism' | Understanding events within their wider social and historical context. |
| Process | Viewing social life as involving interlocking series of events |
| Flexible research designs | Open and unstructured research model to allow for unexpected issues to be considered |
| Avoiding early use of theories and concepts | Understanding what is happening in the field before applying abstract concepts |
