This event has been organised by Researcher Development. For any enquiries, please contact pgresearchskills@warwick.ac.uk.

 Participant observation & participatory research

Is collaborative work something you enjoy? How do researchers observe? Can you think of an instance where observation would be valuable in your work? What is it like? Who is there? What has happened to the people in this place? Who is in control, and who has power? What are they allowed to do? How does that setting affect the lives of people? During the workshop, we will discuss our research, ask such questions, share our experiences, and learn from one another. Topics covered will include:

• Qualitative research & ethnography & understanding society
• Finding people: obtaining access & getting to know others
• Living in that community: building a relationship of trust
• Being a 'fly on the wall': observing
• Being a 'fly in the soup': participating
• Data collection: recording & taking notes in the field
• Insider or outsider: what is the researcher's role?
• Putting yourself in their shoes: ethical considerations
• Analysing the data & writing your research