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Participant Observation

Testimonials

Parks and Heritage Services, Chelmsford Borough Council commissioned Mackman Research to help us understand why ‘low income’ groups are ‘low users’ of public parks and gardens and recommend what could change behaviour.

The project team delivered a great piece of research. Based on our experience the following qualities were apparent: 1) Flexible: Especially since we adapted the methodology to reach target audience. 2) Question development: The team was positive and constructive in questionnaire design, integrating our local knowledge with their expertise. 3) Approachable: team adopted a collaborative and can do approach. 4) Reporting: was clear and in-depth.

Parks Department
Chelmsford Borough Council

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Participant Observation

Participant Observation is a research strategy that involves getting close to people. It requires the researcher to make the participants feel comfortable enough in their prescence in order that observations are recorded about their lives. Participant observation data gathered can be both qualitative and quantitative.

Participant observation normally involves fieldwork and can involve three very different approaches:

Complete participation involves deception where the researcher is required to join a group without letting on what they are doing.
Participant observers can be insiders who observe and record (observing participants), or outsiders who participate and record (participating observers).
Complete observer involves the researcher following people around and recording their behaviour with the minimum of interaction between researcher and group.

Particpant observation requires a special type of researcher. Mackman Research has a participant observation specialist on the team who is adept at this particular method.

In the event that you are considering participant observation research then please do not hesitate to call us to discuss your needs or to request a quotation.