Introduction > Planning Your Research > Different Research Methods > Observational

Observational Observational research is commonly used to study communities and interactions between individuals in their natural environment. Observational data can range from actual accounts of 'individuals' activities, discussion/debates, interviews, etc. A classic example of observational research is depicted in the book/film 'Gorillas in the Mist' where primate researcher Dian Fossey spent 13 years observing four families of mountain gorillas in Rwanda.   Her observations began by simply following the gorillas and noting down all their behaviours; Dian's extensive observations of the mountain gorillas ultimately led to her acceptance by the gorilla families and enabled her to record their behaviours in incredible detail. Observational research involves documenting things like: who was involved? when did it happen? what happened? where did it happen? how did it happen? why might it have happened?

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