1. Observations & Audio, Video Recordings Part 1 Near East Universities ELT - Department Presenter: Akam Azad M. Ameen Supervisor: Dr. Ç ise Çavuşoğlu

2. Outline What is observation? Definition What are types of observation? Advantages Disadvantages Why observe? Recording your observations Planning an observation Filtering observation Observation Process References

3. Observe v. Observation n. Observational adj. Observationally adv. (Merriam-Webster dictionary)

4. “What you see is what you get” By: Flip Wilson

5. Definition Observation is the act of watching, recording and analyzing events of interest by the researcher. (Lambert, 2012, p.106) Observation is “a systematic method of data collection that relies on a researcher’s ability to gather data through his or her senses”. (O’Leary, 2009, p.170)

7. Types of observation Structured Unstructured Semi-structured Non-participant participant

8. Structured Vs. Unstructured, Semi- structured Structured: Already know what you are looking for. You have a specific purpose Unstructured: Record everything for later analysis Semi-structured: Lies between structured and unstructured.

9. Participant Vs. Non-participant Participant: Self involvement of researcher in what is happening. N0n-participant: watching with out self involvement

10. Advantages of Observation Robson (2011) explains the advantages of observation as the following: It is a flexible approach. Qualitative and quantitative data can be acquired Enables to observe what people do, say, how they interact The gathered data can confirm, extend or contradict other data. (cited in Lambert, 2012, p.106)

11. Disadvantages of observation Intrusive approach and unwilling observation Hard to observe objectively Complexity of the social behavior. (Robson (2011) cited in Lambert, M. 2012, p.106)

12. Why observe? Improve teaching Use it as an assessment tool Find answer for unanswered questions Solve problems Discover facts

13. ons Recording your observations Do not just observe, you should systematically record what you observe. You may use: Observation guide Recording sheet Checklist Field note Picture Combination of the above

14. Planning an observation Decide what or who to observe When and where the observation takes place Develop an observation guide Pilot test the observation guide Conduct the observation Analyze data Write your findings

15. Filtering Observations

16. Observation Process Planning Observe Setting Record Observations Review the process Refine appropriately Analyze data

17. References  Lambert, M. (2012). A beginner’s guide to doing your education research project. London: Sage  O’ Leary, Z. (2009). The essential guide to doing your research project. London :Sage