Discuss considerations involved in setting up and carrying out an observation

Question 1

Methodological considerations (2)

Answer 1

• over/covert; participant/non-participant observation

- how choice of method could influence data (e.g. increase participant expectations)

Question 2

Ethical considerations (3)

Answer 2

• informed consent
• debriefing (could gain retrospective consent)
• ensure anonymity or participants

Question 3

Sampling method (1)

Answer 3

• consider sampling method (purposive, snowball, convenience)

Question 4

Data recording (3)

Answer 4

• how to make field notes in covert observations (may not be possible to make field notes everyday)
• overt: data collection expected by participants but researchers should decide what to note
• socially sensitive areas: video/audio cannot be used for ethical reasons = reveal identity

Question 5

Observer characteristics (1)

Answer 5

• match observers to target group (e.g. male researcher could not join nuns covertly)

Question 6

Degree of involvement in the group (2)

Answer 6

• overt: degree of involvement may be superficial

- covert: e.g. may need to accompany street gang on illegal mission = ethically problematic and dangerous

Question 7

Objectivity of researcher (2)

Answer 7

• researcher could become subjective as time passes

- attentive to potential bias (researcher bias or participant expectancy)

Question 8

Analysis of data (2)

Answer 8

• how best to analyse data from observations and field notes

Question 9

Discuss considerations involved in setting up and carrying out an observation (8)

Answer 9

Discuss: considered and balanced review

• Methodological considerations
• Ethical considerations
• Sampling method
• Data recording
• Observer characteristics
• Degree of involvement in the group
• Objectivity of researcher
• Analysis of data