Journals

Observation Journals

A researcher uses observation notes during data collection, particularly when employing participant observation as a method. Observation journals are also referred to as field notes. Using participant observation as a method means that a researcher must keep detailed notes during every observation. The researcher takes extensive notes on what he or she observes, using as many of the five senses as possible—sight, hearing, touch, smell, and even taste, if applicable. For example, typical observation notes record the setting, who is present, and in what capacity (i.e., job titles, roles), who says what (i.e., notes on the content of conversations), what people are wearing, and even descriptions of body language and other nonverbal behavior. Drawing diagrams of the location, including a seating chart and other details, is recommended. Impressions of situations are also important to note including mood, tone, and sarcasm (i.e., note both the content and context of conversations).

For a researcher employing participant observation as a method, journals and diaries constitute the bulk of his or her data. Therefore, the entries must be both lengthy and rich, including as many details as the researcher can include. Failure to record observations, or failure to record them in adequate detail, renders a researcher’s final claims invalid as the researcher lacks sufficient evidence as support. When it comes to recording observations or field notes, no detail is too small and insignificant. One rule of thumb is to have 10 double-spaced pages for every hour of observation, and to also include diagrams of rooms, locations, and seating charts for each observation as needed.

A researcher who is unable to take notes during the observations must ensure time and a space to record as many details as he or she can remember immediately following the observation before important details are forgotten or distorted. A researcher should also take care not to discuss any observations before writing up his or her field notes. Someone who has been in the field for an extensive period of time should also include details about how he or she gained access to a site, those initial interactions, and how one extracted oneself following the completion of data collection or field research.

Observation journals take many forms; what is important is that researchers devise a system that works for them and to be consistent. For example, some researchers will create a key to remember common abbreviations and will create a log of whom they meet, how they met, titles or roles of people, and then will use that key as a guide so the researcher can use initials or other short abbreviations of each [Page 825]person to increase the speed at which he or she can record observations.

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