Check off  each of the following once you have addressed it in full. Cross out or delete any that do not apply. Address any aspects that require more work.

Before you start …
■	Clarify the phenomena or behaviour you will
observe.
■	Decide how you will select your observation
participants/sample.
■	Decide whether direct or participant
observation fits your project best.
■	Decide whether structured or unstructured
observation fits your project best.
■	Determine the best recording method for your observation, e.g. interval recording.
■	Decide where you will carry out your observations.
■	Decide how many observations you will carry out.
■	Decide how long you will spend on each observation.
■	For a structured observation: design and pilot a
recording form.
■	For an unstructured observation: decide whether you will take notes during or after your observation.
■	Decide whether you need the informed consent
of your observation subject(s).
■	Ensure you have considered the potential ethical implications of your observation and that these are acceptable within the ethical guidelines for your course.
■	Decide what role you will take in the observation and whether you will interact with your subjects or not.

During the observation ...
■	Ensure you locate yourself somewhere where you have a good view of your subjects.
■	Plan how you will maintain your focus during your observation in the face of possible distractions.
■	Ensure that you can note all occurrences of your target behaviour or phenomena.
■	Ensure consistency of recording behaviours between each observation session.

After the observation
■	If you are not taking notes during the observation, identify where and when you will write up your notes.
■	If you have written notes during the observation, how will you make sense of these, e.g. identifying themes?
■	Identify themes and trends from
your observation data.
■	Identify how you can make use of fellow students and tutors in discussing and making sense of your observations.