A topic in research methodology
Researchers undertaking observations may take on different roles, or stances towards those they are observing:
Observers tend to have an effect on what is observed. (Read about the observer effect.) The pure observer seeks to avoid any intervention by observing from outside. Such an observer would seek to be discrete and unobtrusive – or even covertly. However, in research, covert observation suggests observation without informed consent.
The participant observer observes from within the activity.
“In principle, observers can be as unobtrusive as possible and avoid interacting with the class at all. The ultimate observer aims to be ‘invisible’ so that their presence does not influence what happens in the class (but when discretion becomes covert observation this raises ethical issues in relation to ‘informed consent’…). At the other extreme, an observer might choose to be part of the classroom interaction being observed. A participant-observer would certainly observe something different from the lesson that would have taken place in her absence, but that may not be a problem (depending on the purpose(s) of the research).”
Taber, 2013: 270
Source cited:
Taber, K. S. (2013). Classroom-based Research and Evidence-based Practice: An introduction (2nd ed.). London: Sage.
My introduction to educational research:
Taber, K. S. (2013). Classroom-based Research and Evidence-based Practice: An introduction (2nd ed.). London: Sage.
