February 2012
Intermediate to advanced
208 pages
8h 23m
English
Content preview from Universal Methods of Design
42 Fly-on-the-Wall Observation
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RESEARCH METHOD
42 Fly-on-the-Wall Observation
Fly-on-the-wall observation allows the researcher to unobtrusively gather information by looking and listening without direct participation or interference with the people or behaviors being observed.
Fly-on-the-wall is differentiated from other types of observation, such as participant observation, because it intentionally removes the researcher from direct involvement with the activities or people under research. Fly-on-the-wall attempts to minimize potential bias or behavioral influences that might result from engagement with users. However, it may also reduce the researcher’s ability to connect ...