Urban Green Areas – their functions under a changing lifestyle of ...

Regarding to structured observation, it is well recognized by its higher reliability and
better comparability than unstructured observation. Nevertheless, this technique is required
selective perception and not flexible. Therefore, it is recommended to have accurate trails
or thorough information before planning observation. It is also worthy to note down as
details as possible what happens beside the main objects.
Mean while, unstructured observation is fine in preliminary phase or exploratory,
because it is a “complete” perception which is “open for unexpected things”.
Participatory observation, on the one hand, might show deeper understanding on the
situation. On the other hand, received information is often affected on the situation.
Furthermore, activities of the observer modify the original perception. Applying this
technique, observer are doing double burden (namely, participation and perception).
Therefore, the observer often has to delay recording. Thus, memory errors occurs during
the process is unavoidable.
In contrast, pro of non-participatory observation is having no impact from the observed
objects. But because of no taking part, observer cannot understand the meaning or reasons
under the phenomenon. This leads to misjudgment and over-interpretation.
Besides, two techniques can be combined to bring about better results, e.g., covert
observation and participatory observation, nown as “undercover” observation; or covert
observation and non-participatory observation, nown as “ eyhole-method”.
For the purpose of this study there were used all kinds of observations, beside laboratory
observation.
1.4.3 Visitor counting
Sometimes observations and countings are considered as separated techniques. But very
often both techniques are combined: The quality of observations can be improved by
additional countings.
Counting the number of visitors at public places “can be very time consuming and
resource-heavy” (GREE S ACE 1999: 1/13). There are several types of technical
equipments to support counting operations and these include video cameras, light beam
counters, radio beam counters or body heat detectors (see GREENSPACE 2011: 6; CHEN
et al. 2011: 12-22).
In general, the counting method used depends on what researches are looking for (see
MUHAR et al. 2002: 3). Usually, counting is carried out for a defined time interval. Results
can be averaged or stratified (GREENSPACE 2011: 4). Then this activity must be repeated
several and in different times, different days, times of day, etc. Results can get an average
count, or if we see too many differences between times, make stratified analysis.
23