|
|
|
Heart-Healthy and Stroke-Free: A Social Environment HandbookThis document is also available in Portable Document Format (PDF - 816K). Learn more about PDFs. Chapter Five: Practical Methods—Direct Observations and Windshield SurveysDirect observations allow one to better understand the environment in which people interact and to see the things some residents may not be aware of, or to better understand a phenomenon. Direct observation may help distill useful information that may not be apparent from your other data collection methods. This type of data collection allows you, the observer, to choose a location, event, or phenomenon and then to directly observe human activities over a period of time. Getting StartedBegin by vividly describing the location you are observing. Include details, but try not to get bogged down with clutter. These details may seem superfluous at the time, but future analysis may prove otherwise. You should also describe the people you see and what they are doing. Things to ConsiderContinually return to the main focus of the observation. Developing an observation form may help. A sample observation form can be found below. The form will help guide your observation and help you focus on specific items. You will need to determine the most appropriate sites and gear the timing of your observation toward the phenomena in question. For example, if you observe a site too early in the morning, you may miss social interactions later in the evening that shed light on your community. You may want to observe different sites at various times to make the best overall direct observation. Following your observation, try to document as much as you can immediately afterward, while the information is still fresh in your mind. The longer you wait to document these observations, the less vivid the experience will become for you, and you will forget details that may be important. Things to AvoidAs an observer, avoid preconceived ideas. Any such expectations can bias your observations. Here are several things you can do to reduce potential bias:
Windshield SurveysWindshield surveys are a form of direct observation that involve making visual observations of a neighborhood or community while driving—literally “looking through the windshield.” Windshield surveys are a relatively inexpensive, time-efficient method for assessing the social environment of a community. The purpose of the windshield survey is to gain a better understanding of the environment you are studying to provide insight to the resources available in a community. Specifically, windshield surveys allow for the observation of neighborhood boundaries, housing conditions, use of open spaces, shopping areas, schools, religious facilities, human services (such as hospitals and physician offices), modes of transportation, protective services (such as fire stations), and overall neighborhood life within the community. “Windshield” surveys can even be conducted on foot if a vehicle is not available. Getting StartedIf you are unfamiliar with the area you would like to observe, you can visit local realtors, who can provide useful information about the boundaries of local communities and neighborhoods. In addition, it is helpful to obtain a local map even if you are familiar with the neighborhood. Identify Your ResourcesThe next step in preparing for the windshield survey is to assess your resources and your purpose. This will guide the size of your team and your equipment needs. If you have two or three people to conduct the survey, divide tasks as follows: one person can drive and record the route taken as well as navigate the map. The second person can write and record observations along the route of the windshield survey. The third person can take still photographs or video of important features along the route taken (see Photography and Videography below for more information). If four to six people are available, divide tasks as follows: one person can drive and record the route taken. The second person can navigate the map for the driver. The third person can write and record observations. The fourth person can photograph important features along the route taken. If a fifth person is available, he or she can film the route; however, the still photographs may suffice. If a sixth person is available, that person should also write and record observations along the route of the windshield survey. If you do not have a large team or equipment, your team could potentially consist of a driver and an observer. Regardless of the size of your team, written observations should always be included, supplemented by audiotapes, photography, and videography when possible. It is not necessary to use a car to conduct a “windshield survey”! In the absence of the aforementioned resources, you could record observations while leisurely walking through a neighborhood. However, even when walking, it is useful to have more than one person conducting the windshield survey, because this provides more than one perspective on the community being observed.
Conducting the Windshield SurveyBefore starting the windshield survey, map out a flexible route that can accommodate potential problems such as the direction of streets (i.e., one-way streets that are not clearly labeled on the map) and unexpected construction. In addition, the area of the windshield survey should be large enough to obtain relevant information about the neighborhood, but small enough that the observation does not take more than 3 hours. You will need time immediately afterward to process and complete all of your notes. Once the team is on the route, immediately begin making observations. See the Windshield Survey Form below for potential items to observe. It will be helpful for all team members to have their supplies readily available as the windshield survey begins. Once the team is finished following the route outlined, it should meet to document and discuss individual findings as well as any difficulties encountered during the observation. The longer this team meeting is delayed the less vivid will be members’ memories of what they actually observed. If using audiotapes, it may also be useful to have the
recordings transcribed. If resources allow, hiring a professional
transcriptionist can shorten turnaround time of the written
documentation and allow analysis to begin sooner; otherwise, the
transcription may be completed “in house.” A written record of the
observations can aid in the analysis of the survey observations.
Date last reviewed:
07/09/2007 |
|
||||||||||||
|