During Observations
Topic 2: Data Collection
Topic 2: Data Collection
Checklist of things to remember to take and NOT take with you when collecting data
What to take for data collection:
Collecting Data
Contents of Descriptive Narrative Notes
What to take for data collection:
- Observation protocol, if applicable
- Interview protocol, if applicable
- Paper/notepad that closes/has a cover and/or laptop with enough battery life (this depends on your site and what is/will be appropriate as well as whether a laptop will limit your mobility).
- Paper/notepad – even if you decide to take a laptop
- Writing tools (pens). Take multiple writing tools in case the ink runs out.
- Watch or some other kind of time telling device
- Voice recorder (remember that you should only record when you have the persons’ permission).
- Extra batteries
- Camera (to take photos of the setting) if appropriate and desired (remember that you should only take photos of people when you have their permission).
- Pencils (pens are better because they don’t smudge)
- Uncomfortable clothing. You should wear something that will help you can move around easily.
- Too many bags and belongings. Maximize mobility and flexibility
Collecting Data
- Hierarchy of written narrative
- BEST: Verbatim
- BETTER: Paraphrase, not summary
- IF YOU MUST: Summary (only when you fall behind)
- If it will be helpful, create a list of shorthand symbols
- Note the time. i.e., every 5, 10, or 15 minutes.
- Bracket your biases/“discipline your subjectivity” with Observer Comments (OCs)
- Keep notes confidential
- Stay for the duration of full activities.
- “Good” data (Note: always in relation to the conceptual framework and research questions):
- Interview
- Good examples: rich, interviewee does more talking
- Bad examples: closed responses with no follow up
- Observation
- What to include: As much as possible but only those things that you think are relevant to your research question(s) and conceptual framework
- Interview
Contents of Descriptive Narrative Notes
| Portraits of the “subjects” | Includes physical appearance, dress, mannerisms, style of talking and acting |
| Reconstruction of dialogue | Quote your “subjects” |
| Description of physical setting
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Draw the space and furniture arrangements, take photos (when possible), describe the contents of bulletin boards, the furniture etc. |
| Accounts of particular events
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Who was involved, what their roles were |
| Depiction of activities
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What did people actually do? |
| The observer’s behavior
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What did you do? What were your assumptions, feelings? |
- Good descriptive is rich in detail so that someone not there can understand it
- Describe with descriptive, low inference statements.
- Avoid abstract/interpretive statements. See below for examples.
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Abstract/Interpretive
“The child looked a mess” Descriptive “The child, who was seven or eight years old, wore faded, muddy jeans with both knees ripped. His nose was running in a half-inch stream down to his mouth, and his face was streaked clean where he had rubbed it with his wet fingers.” |
Abstract/Interpretive
“The participants were friendly with one another” Descriptive “One of the participants, a young woman perhaps in her mid-30s, seemed to know 4 of the other participants. She greeted them when they walked in. She said ‘Hi! Long time no see!’ in a loud voice with a smile on her face. The other participant smiled and hugged her, rubbing her right hand on her back momentarily” 
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- Initial analysis while in the field
- Observers comments
- Analytic memos
- Reflective notes (written or recorded)
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