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The development of a short observation method for the study of the activity and contacts of old people in residential settings

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

A. J. D. Macdonald ,
T. K. J. Craig  and
L. A. R. Warner
A. J. D. Macdonald*
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, London; the Department of Sociology, Bedford College, London; and the Margaret Scott Centre, Newham Health Authority, London
T. K. J. Craig
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, London; the Department of Sociology, Bedford College, London; and the Margaret Scott Centre, Newham Health Authority, London
L. A. R. Warner
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, London; the Department of Sociology, Bedford College, London; and the Margaret Scott Centre, Newham Health Authority, London
*
1 Address for correspondence: Dr A. J. D. Macdonald, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF.
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Synopsis

Data from a non-participant, ‘event-sampling’, direct observation study of 32 elderly persons in residential care were simplified and re-analysed, with the aim of developing a short, practical method of observation for use in research and training in residential care. A single, nominated hour's observation seemed to fit the data satisfactorily. This method, when applied to data from two newly observed contrasting samples, revealed the same important differences as had been found from a whole day's observation. A practical, short observation method thus emerged for use in research and training.

Type
Research Article
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 15 , Issue 1 , February 1985 , pp. 167 - 172
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1985

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