Naturalistic Observation

Observation in Qualitative Inquiry

Observation is one of the foundational methods of qualitative inquiry—but only if it is conducted in a systematic fashion that allows for the careful recording of data and the consistent retrieval of those data for purposes of analysis.

Guide to Conducting Observations

To that end, this book features a brief how-to guide to conducting observations in naturalistic settings.

Topics Covered

The history of observational research, ongoing questions of its epistemological status, the impact of new technologies, and its major ethical concerns are also treated.

Additional Resources

Replete with examples of observation-based research, questions for class discussion, a glossary, and extensive references, this volume offers a rapid fire start into doing naturalistic observational research for novices and students.