20 Marks Participant observation

Question 1

3 strengths

Answer 1

The flexible nature is more suitable for children
It is the only practical way to study children eg getting them to do a questionnaire may prove to be difficult
Takes place in their natural setting and if done covertly the behaviour can be seen as realistic

Question 2

Weaknesses

Answer 2

Hawthorne effect may occur due to a stigma of bad behaviour and parenting
Small samples are used so it lacks representativeness
Participants may be wary of strangers and not be willing to speak openly to them - may have bad relationships with people in authority roles or adults

Question 3

Participant observation

Answer 3

Where a researcher joins the group they are studying and actively participates .
Preferred by interpretivist researchers
There are many PET strengths of participant observation which can be applied to pupil exclusions however this method is not without its weaknesses

Question 4

Conclusion

Answer 4

Overall this methods can be useful in studying exclusions however precautions do have to be taken