Covert Non-Participant Observation - PERVERT

Question 1

Practical factors

Answer 1

Strengths: Covert non-participant observation allows researchers to gather data without participants’ knowledge, providing an unfiltered view of behaviour in natural settings.

Weaknesses: However, this method can be logistically challenging and ethically contentious, requiring researchers to conceal their true identities and motives, potentially compromising trust and rapport with participants.

Question 2

Ethical factors

Answer 2

Strengths: Covert non-participant observation may protect participants from altering their behaviour due to awareness of being observed, minimizing the risk of social desirability bias.

Weaknesses: Nevertheless, researchers must navigate ethical concerns related to deception, invasion of privacy, and the potential for harm or exploitation if participants discover they have been observed without consent.

Question 3

Reliability

Answer 3

Strengths: Covert non-participant observation may yield reliable data by providing an objective view of behaviour in natural settings, free from the potential biases introduced by participant awareness.

Weaknesses: However, reliability may be compromised if researchers are unable to fully document or contextualize their observations due to the covert nature of their presence, leading to potential inaccuracies or incomplete data.

Question 4

Validity

Answer 4

Strengths: Covert non-participant observation can enhance the validity of findings by minimizing the observer effect and other biases associated with participant awareness.

Weaknesses: Yet, the covert nature of the research may introduce ethical and methodological concerns that compromise the internal validity of the study, such as the inability to obtain informed consent or the risk of observer bias.

Question 5

Examples

Answer 5

Strengths: Studies demonstrate the insights gained through covert non-participant observation, providing detailed accounts of sensitive or stigmatized behaviours that might be difficult to study using overt methods.

Weaknesses: However, such studies also highlight the ethical controversies and methodological challenges inherent in covert observation, underscoring the need for careful consideration of ethical principles and participant rights.

Question 6

Representativeness

Answer 6

Strengths: Covert non-participant observation allows researchers to study behaviour in natural settings, potentially enhancing the representativeness of findings by minimizing the impact of participant awareness and social desirability biases.

Weaknesses: Nonetheless, the covert nature of the research may limit the generalizability of findings, as researchers may encounter difficulties in obtaining a representative sample or fully understanding the contextual factors influencing behaviour.

Question 7

Theoretical factors

Answer 7

Strengths: Covert non-participant observation can generate rich qualitative data that contributes to theoretical understanding of social phenomena, offering detailed insights into behaviour and interactions in real-life contexts.

Weaknesses: However, the covert nature of the research may raise questions about the validity and reliability of findings, particularly if researchers face challenges in establishing trust and rapport with participants or documenting their observations accurately.