Conducting Observational Research

Related Resources
Print-Friendly Page
Authors & Contributors

Qualitative observational research involves more than simply going out into the field and observing a given group or culture. Researchers must also consider the following:

• Observer's role
• Defining the research question
• Identifying the theory that drives the inquiry
• Selecting qualitative research tools
• Analyzing and reporting data
• Writing the research report

You can read a brief description of each of these areas by clicking on the items in the list above. It is important to note that the order of presentation is not indicative of an essential or set pattern. Although some elements in the researcher's decision-making process will necessarily precede others (i.e., the determination of the researcher's role before data collection), most of the steps outlined below will significantly overlap and recur throughout the research process.