How is it done?

Robson (2002) identifies possibly the two main types of observation but there are many examples in-between.

In participant observation, the observer has a role in the observed group – a tutor, for example, may observe a group of students. Participation can be at different levels and, while this may not seem to be an objective approach, Robson provides a good case for observation with a ‘scientific attitude’, that is, it will be carried out systematically, sceptically and ethically.

Structured observation will be carried out by a detached observer, using pre-determined categories. In higher education research it is difficult to think how this might be possible without perhaps two-way mirrors or secret recording systems. We can then ask whether this meets the ethical requirements of research.