Evaluation Of Participant Observation Flashcards
Why is participant observation ‘Valid?’
Observations provide qualitative data + provides a picture on behaviour
Why does participant observation provide ‘Insight?’
Research method allows for personal + subjective understanding on another person
Why is participant observation ‘Flexible?’
- Sociology enters the research with an open mind
- Research is ‘grounded’ in reality
What are the ‘Practical Advantages’ with participant observation?
- Enables sociologist to build rapport with studied group
- Useful method to reveal realities when questioning would be ineffective
What are the ‘Practical Disadvantages’ with participant observation?
- Time consuming
- Personally stressful
- Researcher must be trained (Costly)
- Requires observational + interpersonal skills
- Many groups don’t cooperate with researchers
What are ‘Ethical Problems’ with participant observation?
- CPO raises issues with deception to obtain information
- Risk of participating in illegal activities
Why is participant observation not ‘Representative?’
- Small scale sampling + selected haphazardly
- Downes + Rock; PO provided valid insights into studied groups but doubtful for internally valid insights to be generalised
Why isn’t participant observation ‘Reliable?’
PO depends on unique personal skills + characteristics of researcher
Why does participant observation suffer from ‘Bias and Lack of Objectivity?’
- Risk of going ‘native’
- Loyalty to studies group prevents sensitive information to be published
- Attracts sociologists whose sympathies lie with the underdog
Why isn’t participant observation ‘Valid?’
- POs only provide a subjective + biased impression of the observer
- Hawthorne Effect threats validity + causes subjects to act differently
Why does participant observation ‘Lack a Concept of Structure?’
- Ignores wider structural forces that shape our behaviour
- Only viewing through the actor’s eyes never provides a complete picture
