HMPYC 80 –
Research Methodologies
Section D – Chapter 16:
Contemporary Data Collection Methods
, 1. Introduction:
► Four contemporary data collection methods in qualitative research include:
1) Participant observation.
2) Document study.
3) The use of secondary data.
4) Visual sources.
► Participant observation includes various ways in which you can be involved in data
collection, ranging from total involvement on the one hand to total observation on the other.
► Document study and the use of secondary data are sometimes mistaken for the same as
the two concepts seem to overlap to some extent.
- Both study existing material, but the real difference is that the use of secondary data is the
reworking of existing research data with a different aim, while document study uses material
that was not created with the aim of research in mind and can include personal documents,
official reports, mass media, and archival data.
► The terms life history, historical research, data archiving, documents analysis, and
documents of life are also found in the literature related to document study.
2. Participant Observation
2.1. Defining Participant Observation:
► Mitchell and Jolley distinguish between naturalistic and participant observation, although
both are types of observational research.
► Babbie and Mouton as well as Bless, Higson-Smith and Sithole distinguish between simple
(non-participant) observation, and complex (participant) observation, which represent
the extreme points on the continuum of roles you assume as researcher.
► Jackson mentions the terms disguised and undisguised observation, referring to non-
participant and participant observation, respectively.
- Cozby refers to this as participation and concealment.
► Your mere presence as a researcher will in itself alter the situation, meaning that it is no
longer the original and natural set-up under observation.
- You should take notes of the multiple influences that you could have on the research
processes and how the research processes influence you in return.
► You should therefore continually reflect on how your own experiences, assumptions and
biases might be influencing the process, what participants say or do and how you interpret
what respondents say or do.
► You should be actively involved in the daily routine situation and activities of participants
while observing their behavior.
, - Keen observation, excellent notes and looking back over time become relevant and
important in this method of data collection.
► The degree of involvement, from complete participant to complete observer, is this one of
the crucial factors to be considered when you consider participant observation as an option.
► The development of a comprehensive and holistic view of a particular group can take time,
anything from a few months to several years.
► Participant observation can thus be described as a qualitative research procedure that
studies the natural and everyday setup in a particular community or situation.
- You should decide beforehand on the role you intend to take in the situation of a
participant observer, since such roles can be placed on a continuum from complete
observer to complete participants with a variety of degrees of involvement between them.
► While doing the research, you should make field notes that must then be written up as well
formulated reports at the first available opportunity.
2.2. Participant Observation Process:
► Alongside the generic phases of the research process, such as framing the study, choosing
the research design, data collecting, data analysis and dissemination, the phases are
unique to collecting data through participant observation.
A. Gaining Permission to Enter the Field:
► Permission to enter the field is not a matter to be taken lightly - it involves a combination of
strategic planning and hard work.
► In participant observation studies, you should seek permission from the relevant
authoritative figures and/or gatekeepers, such as the mayor of a town or the chief of a tribe.
- This is important as it also leads people on the ground know what the project seeks to
accomplish.
- at the very least, all the people directly involved in the project should be consulted in the
process of gaining access to the community.
► Gaining access to a community can be problematic since you are expected to avoid
disturbing the community as far as possible.
- Your presence as researchers should not be made known in too obtrusive manner.
► If the inquiry takes place in a public park or street, it is not necessary to gain access and
your presence will not attract much attention.
- However, if the research field is semipublic, like a shop or a theater, it is suggested that
you consult the owner or manager.
► Permission granted at the beginning of the project does not entitle you to all information and
you should from time to time consider the need for gaining ongoing access.
