61 (for more information visit INTRAC16) Outcome harvesting Involves observing the behaviours and activities of people in a situation and taking notes. Observation Involves collecting evidence of change, and then working backwards to assess contribution to that change. Observations can be informal (you have no preconception about what you are looking for) OR formal (you are looking for specific clues). Description Method • Useful when wanting to understand unintended outcomes. • Useful in complex situations where the relationship between cause and effect is not fully understood and/or where many different actors influence change. • The prevalence or frequency of activities can be identified. • Unusual details can be noticed. • Is useful when participants may feel uncomfortable about discussing their experiences. • Presence of NHRI personnel may influence participants’ behaviour. • Can provide a third viewpoint, drawing out implications that people involved are not aware of. • the purpose of MEAL exercise is to learn about change in order to improve future performance. • the focus is on outcomes rather than activities/outputs. • Can be data intensive. • Not helpful when you want to know whether specific outcomes were achieved. Useful when: Example: sitting in on an interview between a law enforcement officer and someone who has been detained. • When you are aiming for a behaviour change as a result of the observation. Example: watching the behaviours of children in a school playground • the ‘subjects’ of the observation are not engaged. Useful when: When to use this method • Difficult if the outcomes are known. • Accurate differentiation within or between certain groups of people may not be possible (e.g. religion, mental health, sexual orientation). • Some data may not be able to be used due to confidentiality. Disadvantages • Records information while it is happening. Advantages