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Apr 3, 2024
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Module 5 Concept Application: Differentiating Types of Observations
Stevenson University FSCI 760: Thesis Development in Forensic Science
Professor Hugh Hayes
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Module 5 Concept Application:
A fundamental pitfall in qualitative research is to confuse the actual observations with the interpretation of the observations. Why is it important that
these two things remain distinctly separate?
Actual observations and the interpretation of the observations need to remain distinctly separate because they focus on different things. According to Leedy& Ormrod, the actual observations are more of an unstructured, objective, and free-flowing approach that consists of notetaking and data (2019). The actual observations involve what is seen and measured which cannot change over time. It involves the researcher’s own personal information that they use as a
source of data. The researcher will have detailed lab reports and documentation regarding what they observed. They may also use videotapes and photographs during the observation process. There are sometimes when the audio on the videotape is low, or the recording is unclear and has background noise (Leedy & Ormrod, 2019). It is best if the researcher practices with the equipment before using it. This will help in determining validity and reliability also. The actual observation differs from the interpretation of the observation, and it should be discussed separately to eliminate confusion. The observations, interviews, and research designs are then used to collect and interpret the data. The interpretation process is described as the memo of what was seen and heard (Leedy & Ormrod, 2019). The role of the interpretation process is to determine what has been observed. Therefore, these two things need to be separated
to discuss the results and form conclusions. Interpreting data allows the facts and evidence to be presented instead of biases. Biases will play a factor if the two are not distinguished.
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References
Leedy, P.D., & Ormrod, J.E. (2019). Practical research: Planning and Design (12th ed.). Pearson.
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