Observation quotes
Participant Observation as a Data Collection Method - (Kawulich, 2005). Participant observation, for many years, has been a hallmark of both anthropological and sociological studies. In recent years, the field of education has seen an increase in the number of qualitative studies that include participant observation as a way to collect information (Kawulich, 2005). MARSHALL and ROSSMAN (1989) define observation as "the systematic description of events, behaviors, and artifacts in the social setting chosen for study" (p.79). Observations enable the researcher to describe existing situations using the five senses, providing a "written photograph" of the situation under study (ERLANDSON, HARRIS, SKIPPER, & ALLEN, 1993). Participant observation is the process enabling researchers to learn about the activities of the people under study in the natural setting through observing and participating in those activities . It provides the context for developm...