General information about observations

Observations provide information that is not reported by the participants themselves, but that is collected directly by a trained person. The information gained from observations can be in the form of notes, records or audio or video recordings. As an example, observations can be used to collect data on problems, approaches and difficulties when dealing with learning software . Observers should be trained and know how to reduce the influence of their own perspective on the observations they make.

Observations can take different forms:

Structured vs. non-structured observations
A structured observation specifies precisely what should be observed, and how what is observed should be recorded. In non-structured observations there are no specific rules about the observation procedure.

Participative vs. non-participative observations
Participative observation is when the observer is an active part of the situation under observation. If this is not the case, and the observer acts "merely" as an outsider, it is referred to as non-participative observation (this can also apply to, say, a video observation).

Overt vs. covert observations
Overt observation is when the observer does not hide his or her role as an observer. In covert observation, this is not the case; the observer does not reveal himself or herself as an observer.

Required Resources
Observations require careful preparation. The effort depends, of course, on how many observations are to be conducted and how long they last. For observations, what eats resources is not only analysis, but also the development of an analysis scheme.

Advantages
Carrying out an observation is advantageous when those studied are not aware of the information to be collected, or if there is an anticipation that incorrect information could be given (consciously or unconsciously).

Disadvantages
One problem of observations is the methodological control of the observation itself. Especially in non-structured observations, there is a risk of selective perception (i.e. the observer only perceives what he or she expects, what he or she finds especially positive or negative, etc.). In the case of participative observation, there is a risk of "over-identification" with the environment being studied, i.e. the observer becomes less objective.