Chapter 8 Observation

1. Chapter 8 Observation

2. CONTENTS • Types of observational research • Possibilities • Main elements of observational research • Use of technology • Just looking

3. Types of observational research (Fig. 8.1) • Structured or systematic • Unstructured/naturalistic/qualitative • Quasi-experimental • Participant observation (see Ch. 9) A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

4. Possibilities (Fig. 8.2) • Children's play • Sport activity patterns (coaching, training, match behaviour) • Informal sport areas • counting heads • spatial/functional patterns of use • Visitor profiles • Deviant behaviour • Mystery shopping • Complementary research • Everyday life • Social behaviour A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

5. Case study 8.1: Deviant behaviour: Observing riots Australian Motor-cycle Grand Prix , mid-1980s Cunneenet al. (1989)

6. Steps in an observation project (Fig. 8.4) • Choice of site(s) • Choice of observation point(s) • Choice of observation time period(s) • Continuous observation or sampling? • Number and length of sampling periods • Deciding what to observe • Division of site into zones • Determining information recording method • Conducting the observation • Analysing/interpreting data A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

7. Step 5: Count frequency (Fig. 8.5) Need for additional observation sessions to capture peak visits A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

8. Observed sport/exercise use of a park (Fig. 8.6) A B C D Tennis courts Jogging track Skateboard park Active Non-active A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

9. Observation recording sheet: counts (Fig 8.7) A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

10. Usage data recorded (Table 8.1) A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

11. Analysing data: park/sport centre use (Fig. 8.8) A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

12. Estimating day visit numbers from spot counts (Table. 8.2) A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

13. Estimating day visit numbers from spot counts (Table. 8.2) A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

14. Estimating day visit numbers from spot counts (Table. 8.2) A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

15. Use of technology • Automatic counters • Induction loop • Pressure pad/tube • Infra-red beam • CCTV • Geographic Positioning Systems (GPS) • Aerial photography • Still photography • Video • Time-lapse photography A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

16. Just looking • Observation is important in all forms of empirical research. • Observing people’s behaviour at a site, in a destination, can reveal information not obtainable by any other means. • Time invested in simply observing the research site is often well rewarded. A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge