Observation

Observation is a method of collecting descriptive behavioral data and is extremely useful in transportation studies because one can observe behavior as it occurs.  Observation stops being a normal part of everyday life and becomes a research method if it is systematically planned and recorded and if both observations and recordings are checked for their validity and reliability.  These factors make the difference between simply observing the world around you and collecting research data through observation.

Observation may be the only way to gather some kinds of data.  If the information you need cannot be obtained by asking questions, through available records, or by directly measuring some quality of the subject, you may have to observe the behavior of the subject and record what you see.  

Observation can be used alone or in combination with other methods, and it will assist you in interpreting the results obtained through other methods. 

When you plan to use observation as a method of data collection, you need to make two decisions before you proceed. 

First, how involved do you intend to become with the subjects as a participant? 

Second, how structured do you intend your observations to be?