Research Methods and Applications for Student Affairs

Chapter SevenObserving People and Places

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:

• Understand the purpose and role of observation methods.
• Differentiate between the major types of observation techniques.
• Read observation data in journal articles and reports.
• Evaluate observation methods based on how data are collected, analyzed, and reported.
• Apply interpretations of observation methods to student affairs practice.

Observation involves selecting a person or group, or a time and location, and recording data about interactions, activities, or the environment. The focus can be on a single individual or a group, one location or multiple, in an everyday setting, or in the context of a specific event. Data collection ...