title: Non-participant observation: using video tapes to collect data in nursing research.
abstract: Observation is a highly valued and effective research method, as well as being an essential part of nursing practice. The authors explore the way in which non-participant observation as a research method might be enhanced by the use of video recording. The utility, ethical considerations and constraints of video recording as a data collection tool are discussed, with examples from a research study. The authors argue that the use of videos can enhance the credibility of non-participant observation studies through the minimisation of selectivity and bias and the opportunity to employ more rigorous strategies for ensuring reliability.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Nursing and Midwifery, Middlesex University, UK.
authors.forename: Kay
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Caldwell
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Atwal
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D015982:Bias; D003142:Communication; D003625:Data Collection / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D015987:Effect Modifier, Epidemiologic; D005851:Geriatric Nursing; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009735:Nursing Homes; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D019370:Observation / Q000379:methods*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010351:Patient Discharge; D024382:Professional Role; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology; D035844:Researcher-Subject Relations / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology; D013222:State Medicine; D006113:United Kingdom; D014743:Videotape Recording / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards