Qualitative Observation
What is the definition of qualitative observation?
Qualitative observation is a research method in which researchers collect data using their five senses, sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing. It is a subjective method of gathering information as it depends on the researcher’s sensory organs. This approach does not involve quantitative measurement; it only deals with data you can observe with your senses.
Qualitative observation enables the researcher to observe, interact and gain a rich picture of participants in their natural environment. This data collection method allows you to better understand the processes, culture, or people under study. Qualitative observations are usually used by social scientists, sociologists, and psychologists to gain a more comprehensive understanding of human and animal behavior.
What are the characteristics of qualitative observation?
Below are some of the characteristics of qualitative observation to help you differentiate it from other research methods.
Inductive
Qualitative observation is inductive as the researcher is immersed in the research alongside the participants. The researcher establishes new questions as the study progresses. It is also not unusual for new hypotheses and theories to emerge during the research.
The researcher establishes new questions as the study progresses. There also is the possibility that new hypotheses and theories will emerge.
Naturalistic inquiry
Qualitative observation is a research method that involves studying the participants in an environment native to them. You can only use this research method when the natural environment for observation exists.
Subjective
This approach solely depends on the observation of the researcher. So the results of qualitative observation can vary from person to person, depending on their skills, education, and background.
No right or wrong answers
Unlike quantitative methods of data collection, qualitative observation does not seek a definite answer. It looks for characteristics and patterns to support the research hypothesis. Also, participants provide answers to the researcher’s questions based on their discretion. Hence, there are no right or wrong answers.
Empathic neutrality
Researchers using the qualitative observation approach are expected to recognize their own biases when compiling their findings.
Unique
Each research study under qualitative observation is different from the other. So researchers using this method must always remember to give in-depth attention to each study.
What are the types of qualitative observation?
There are several methods of qualitative observation. The main types of qualitative observation that researchers use include:
Direct observation
Here, the researcher collects subjective data about an object, phenomenon, or process without the participants knowing they are under investigation.
Case studies
In this method, the researcher examines the participants based on specific issues or contexts. Researchers use this type of qualitative observation to identify trends or prove a hypothesis.
Researcher as participant
In this case, the researcher becomes a natural part of a group to better understand the people or phenomenon under study. That is, you join the group without the other participants knowing that you are the researcher.
Interviews
In this method, the researcher asks the participants direct questions relating to the study. The interview is unstructured, so you can steer the discussion in whatever direction you like.
What are qualitative observation examples?
Here are two qualitative observation examples to help you understand this research method better.
Qualitative observation example 1
A mental health doctor noticed one of his patients who has a mental health condition exhibiting concerning behavior. The doctor placed her under his direct observation to learn more about the particular patient and her condition. He documented the patient’s level of aggression, how she responded to stimuli like food and light, and her general appearance. Using the patient and information he got through qualitative observation as the basis for his hypothesis, he researched the mental condition and the new symptoms he discovered.
Qualitative observation example 2
A scientist utilized the qualitative observation approach to confirm the discovery of a new animal species. The scientist visited the species’ natural habitat to observe their physical appearance, sleep patterns, food gathering techniques, and reproductive behavior. The scientist documented what he observed with his sensory organs for several weeks and confirmed the discovery using the data collected.
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References
Baker, L. (2006). Observation: A Complex Research Method. ResearchGate
Kawulich, B. (2012). Collecting data through observation. ResearchGate
Cite this blog post:
Delve. Ho, L., & Limpaecher, A.(2022a, February 11). What is observational research? Essential Guide to Coding Qualitative Data. https://delvetool.com/blog/observation
