Chapter 5. Observations and diaries
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Claudine Borg
Abstract
Observation and introspection can be used as qualitative, cognitive ethnographic research methods. Qualitative field observation allows researchers to study translators, interpreters and other relevant actors in situ. Introspective diaries facilitate a deeper understanding of the cognitive processes of note takers. Both are rooted in ethnographic research principles, which is reflected in the data collection techniques, observational modes and ethical considerations described in this chapter. They support the understanding of activities in their social and material environments and histories. This chapter introduces these two research methods and examines ethical issues, conceptual aspects and implementations of observational and diary research. It discusses advantages and disadvantages of the two methods, considers their relevance for translation and interpreting studies research and provides practical recommendations for research projects.
Abstract
Observation and introspection can be used as qualitative, cognitive ethnographic research methods. Qualitative field observation allows researchers to study translators, interpreters and other relevant actors in situ. Introspective diaries facilitate a deeper understanding of the cognitive processes of note takers. Both are rooted in ethnographic research principles, which is reflected in the data collection techniques, observational modes and ethical considerations described in this chapter. They support the understanding of activities in their social and material environments and histories. This chapter introduces these two research methods and examines ethical issues, conceptual aspects and implementations of observational and diary research. It discusses advantages and disadvantages of the two methods, considers their relevance for translation and interpreting studies research and provides practical recommendations for research projects.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acronyms vii
- List of contributors xiii
- Introduction 1
- Chapter 1. Participant profiling 21
- Chapter 2. Designing studies with naturalistic tasks 49
- Chapter 3. Surveys and interviews 69
- Chapter 4. Cued retrospection 92
- Chapter 5. Observations and diaries 108
- Chapter 6. Screen recording 133
- Chapter 7. Keylogging 157
- Chapter 8. Speech recording 183
- Chapter 9. Screen eyetracking 213
- Chapter 10. Dynamic eyetracking 235
- Chapter 11. Psychophysiological methods 256
- Chapter 12. Electroencephalography 279
- Chapter 13. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 304
- Chapter 14. Reaction time 324
- Index 347
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acronyms vii
- List of contributors xiii
- Introduction 1
- Chapter 1. Participant profiling 21
- Chapter 2. Designing studies with naturalistic tasks 49
- Chapter 3. Surveys and interviews 69
- Chapter 4. Cued retrospection 92
- Chapter 5. Observations and diaries 108
- Chapter 6. Screen recording 133
- Chapter 7. Keylogging 157
- Chapter 8. Speech recording 183
- Chapter 9. Screen eyetracking 213
- Chapter 10. Dynamic eyetracking 235
- Chapter 11. Psychophysiological methods 256
- Chapter 12. Electroencephalography 279
- Chapter 13. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 304
- Chapter 14. Reaction time 324
- Index 347
