Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
rigor or the work you are undertaking is not so dependent on the findings'
scientific accuracy. Such results may be well suited to the kind of action
analysis that supports the vast majority of animation production. A good
rule of thumb we may often rely on is that if the animation
looks
correct, it
is
correct. If you are looking to create a representation of an action, that rule of
thumb might be perfectly acceptable. If you are looking to create a
simulation
of an action, it might not be satisfactory.
Direct observation may be a very productive technique for this kind of
research.
Phenomenology
The term
phenomenology
refers to the study of any events or occurrences that
may be observed and that happen as a result or as a consequence of other
conditions. In the simplest of terms, phenomenology is the observation and
recording of phenomena. However, it does rely on the empirical evidence of
those observations. Phenomenology is a common term used in both scientific
methods of research and in philosophy.
One aspect of phenomenology is that it requires the researcher to use
techniques that measure those observations in such a way that the results
provide data for further analysis. Any research of a subject that provides the
perception
of events or conditions by individuals must, using phenomenology,
be gathered in such a manner that these findings can be attributed with a
numerical value. Results that are described in mathematical terms may then
provide more concrete data, enabling the researcher to undertake further
analysis.
It is through empirical evidence that phenomenology sets out to describe
events not as they appear to an individual but as they appear to any and all
individuals.
Action Research
The term
action research
refers to an approach that is dependant completely
on practical activities. Such activities may be rather like performing an
experiment: A range of actions may be undertaken to test ideas and acquire
information on the action and in doing so provide a deeper knowledge of
the nature of the action that may be difficult to gain using other research
methods. By the researcher undertaking the actions herself, she may gain a
direct experience of the subject of the research as well as an understanding of
how such actions
feel
. Simple observation and even scientific measurements
may provide accurate data, but they cannot provide the researcher with
information gained through action research. If such research is undertaken
by the researcher herself, she gains direct experience of how it
feels
to
undertake such actions. This kind of direct and personal experience may
provide valuable information, but by its very nature it may be limited to
