Free Observing A Video Segment Essay Example

Researchers use their physical senses to observe people and objects in their natural settings. Thus, observation is a useful approach for collecting data systematically (Creswell, 2013). The previous study focused on the classroom’s photographic view. This study, however, involves the observation of a video segment. Unlike the previous investigation that explored a variety of physical features, this study concentrates on the facial aspects. I use a motion camera to record an interview with my professor. During the exercise, I utilize the interviewing skills described by Janesick (2011). I then sit in my study room and observe the video segment. I concentrate on the lecturer’s facial expressions as he describes his view of friendship.

Interview Question: What are your beliefs concerning friendship?

The lecturer states that the most significant attribute to be considered when choosing friends is one’s value system. Values constitute the ideas that people follow regardless of the circumstances or the people that surround them. Consequently, a friend is an individual who respects another person’s value and belief systems. The professor then explains that people can be categorized into three groups. The first category includes the individuals with whom one shares opinions. Persons in the second group hold different views but are respectful of others’ beliefs. In contrast, the third category comprises of individuals that disrespect other people’s beliefs. The professor suddenly lights up with a smile as he explains the vast and beneficial experience derived from having friends in the first category. He adds that friends in the second category are equally useful because they increase the understanding of one’s beliefs and help in rectifying one’s viewpoints. The brightness in the lecturer’s face, however, diminishes as he describes the third group of individuals. Friends who criticize others’ beliefs tend to superimpose their expectations on other persons and infringe on others’ fundamental values. One should be careful with such friends because they make people unhappy. The professor’s beliefs about friendship are highly educational. I, therefore, thank him as the interview ends.
Qualitative analysis utilizes methods such as observation to interpret and facilitate the understanding of a particular phenomenon (Sargeant, 2012). In this study, the observation of a video segment differs from the previous study that focused on a photograph. Unlike the previous study, for example, the present investigation allows the researcher to interact physically with the subject. In addition, both audio and visual aspects of the object of inquiry are considered. The video observation enables the investigator to detect particular aspects of the subject, such as facial expressions. Moreover, the previous photograph study focused on a static scene but the video study investigates a dynamic view. Hence, the present study can provide a relatively more captivating and comprehensive results.

References

Creswell, J.W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Janesick, V.J. (2011). "Stretching" exercises for qualitative researchers (3rd ed.).Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Sargeant, J. (2012). Qualitative Research Part II: Participants, Analysis, and Quality Assurance. J Grad Med Educ., 4(1), 1–3. Doi: 10.4300/JGME-D-11-00307.1