Non-participant observation: using video tapes to collect data in nursing research.

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.