Deciding the type of observation. e.g. unstructured, semi-structured, structured, participant, non-participant, covert, overt, naturalistic.
Deciding the type of noting. E.g. descriptive (observe and write down simple notes), inferential (comments made on observations with understanding), evaluative (comments made on behaviour with evaluation and judgment)
Setting. Where will the observation take place?
Conducting observations
Sticking to type of observation. If it is covert, make sure to not be discovered.