7.1.3. Observation

Observation is a method where the researcher must systematically watch and record what is happening in whatever context or situation that has been chosen for the research. This sounds simple but may not always be easy to do in practice. Careful attention has to be paid to what is happening without pre-judging what is relevant to the study and what is not. Sometimes, what is not happening is as important or interesting as what does actually happen.

Observation is primarily about paying close attention to a specific environment, event, or group. The researcher systematically records their observations to gather data without letting personal biases interfere. This might sound straightforward, yet it can be very challenging because it requires the researcher to remain objective and not assume what is important or not beforehand. Sometimes what is missing in a scenario can carry significant information.

Imagine a wildlife documentary filmmaker. They must sit quietly and observe the animals without interfering or making noise to understand their behaviors better. If they only focus on the animals interacting, they might miss critical insights that could come from observing what is happening around them, like changes in their environment or interactions with other species.

For example, if your research question is about how different classes of people use specific open spaces, then it is significant that a given class or group of people (say poor people, or middle class people for example) never enter the space, or are never seen in it.

When researching social behaviors, it’s crucial to gather broader observations about the environment. For instance, if a researcher is studying how various socioeconomic classes utilize public parks, noticing that a certain class is frequently absent from these spaces can provide critical insight into social disparities and access issues. This type of qualitative observation can lead to significant discussions about social inclusion and urban planning.

Consider a neighborhood park that is predominantly used by families with higher incomes while lower-income families seldom visit. A researcher could notice the absence of lower-income individuals, leading them to investigate reasons like safety concerns, lack of transportation, or even park maintenance. Their observations could unveil systemic social barriers that affect access to communal spaces.

This method may sound simple but can be complex in practice. Researchers need to pay attention to many factors without bias. This includes noting not only what occurs but also what does not happen, as absence might be as telling as presence.

The observation method, while initially straightforward, can be markedly complex. Researchers need to keep an unbiased perspective and gather data on multiple dimensions – from actions that take place to interactions that do not. Each detail, whether it's a verbal exchange or silence, can hold weight in the research findings. Failing to recognize an absence might overshadow vital contextual insights.

Think of an artist observing a bustling city square. While they can sketch the active conversations and movements, their observations of the quiet corners where people tend to avoid can reveal issues like social anxiety or segregation. For them, including both vibrant and dormant aspects enriches the story of the urban environment.

--