1. To provide students with the skills they need to design and complete research using observation

2. To enable students to understand the ethical implications as well as the strengths and limitations of using observations

3. To develop students' skills in the analysis of field notes and other records of observational data

4. To develop students' awareness of the practical issues involved designing an observational study or incorporating observation into a wider study

5. To provide students with a good understanding of the methodological and theoretical literature they need to draw on to support their approach to conducting an observational study

(LO1) To understand how and when observational methods can be used to research social life, and be able to articulate the ethical implications of carrying out research in this way

(LO2) Students will understand observational methods and be able to design and carry out research involving observation

(LO3) Students will be able to record and analyse observational data and clearly articulate their approach to analysis

(LO4) Students will be able to identify methodological texts in order to cite to support the academic integrity of their research and to identify how sociological theory may enhance their analysis and presentation of findings

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Ethical awareness

(S3) Communication skills

(S4) Research management developing a research strategy, project planning and delivery, risk management, formulating questions, selecting literature, using primary/secondary/diverse sources, collecting & using data, applying research methods, applying ethics

This module will be delivered over two four hour workshops.

Workshop 1

Following a lecture on the classic use of observation in anthropology and sociology, participants will be introduced to the various uses of observation in research, the ethics of observational research and reflexive practices. After a brief introductory lecture on field notes and recording observational data, there will be a discussion of how to design observational studies. There will be a short exercise on designing an observation in a public place.

Workshop 2

After a short exercise and discussion of the practice of writing field notes, students will be asked to conduct their own observation in a public place and write up their notes. Students will have the opportunity to reflexively discuss their experience of being an observer in smaller groups, before discussing with the wider cohort their experiences of the exercise. After a short lecture on the analysis of field notes, students will be encouraged to analyse their field notes and participate in a wider discussion about what they found.

Teaching Method 1 - Workshop
Description: The module will be delivered over two, four hour sessions, which will include lectures, discussions and practical exercises
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: In the second session, students will be asked to conduct an observation in a public place, and so will need to dress appropriately for the weather if they chose to observe an outdoor session
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): 3