|
While an important part of the data used in qualitative social science research is obtained
through interviewing, surveying or written sources,  observation of behaviour, objects or
processes also constitutes a useful method. Observation in the social sciences involves
watching and recording (mentally, by taking notes, through photography or video) social
phenomena relating to a specific research topic. Observation is particularly suitable for
understanding non-verbal actions or phenomena.
Observation must be distinguished from participant observation, in which the researcher interacts
with the objects and/or subjects of her/his research and takes part in the activities of certain
groups or individuals. In observation, the researcher plays the role of a passive observer and is
therefore outside the action(s) being observed and recorded.
In the social sciences, although the observer is external to the observed phenomena, she/he is not
neutral. Like any interview or questionnaire, observation is structured by the researcher's goal,
hypothesis, theoretical background and research questions. One good way to structure an observation
is to keep an observation record, in which the different aspects of phenomena can be described as
well as the way they relate to the interests of the researcher.
The different aspects of globalisation that have been described in this lesson such as homogenisation,
fragmentation and glocalisation occur in everyday life. Sometime they seem obvious, sometimes not.
By observing your surroundings, you will notice how these processes occur around you. They contribute
to forging different spaces within your country or city. In this exercise, you will be asked to go
out and look for real-life situations in which you recognize the dynamics of homogenisation,
fragmentation and glocalisation. Look at the four photographs on the right hand column illustrating
different dynamics of globalisation in Tokyo.
|
|
