Ask where you should locate yourself to observe and not get in their way, such as on a chair to the side but within hearing range, standing nearby and possibly moving around with them. Take notes to describe activities, behaviors, and interactions and record factual information related to your questions. Draw maps to indicate the physical layout. Two levels of questions may help you understand what you see. Consider which level is appropriate and feasible before posing questions.
Brief responses provide the context needed by an outsider to understand the events.
Reflective Interviews Pursue an in-depth inquiry into the nature of an activity or series of activities, only occasionally and if it does not interfere with work responsibilities. Reflective interviews require more time as they often lead to longer discussions of an issue. Typically the observer will plan a reflective interview after reviewing field notes, and will conduct the interview at a suitable period during the next observation or during a separately scheduled time. Once away from the site of the observation, perhaps in a separate office or in your car, note the main points, things you learned, what strikes you, questions, etc. Word processing is highly recommended.