Lesson 14 (Observation - Cover And Overt)

Question 1

what are covert observations?

Answer 1

When the sociologist does not reveal their true identity when observing person/ group

Question 2

Advantages to covert observations?

Answer 2

• High in validity, as participants wouldn’t change their behaviour in accordance to what the sociologist is researching (no demand characteristics)
• data can be generalised to larger population as situation is not biased and large variety ((large sample size -> more representative)

Question 3

Disadvantages to covert observation?

Answer 3

• unethical as people do not know they are being observed therefore theres a lack of informed consent
• may be difficult for sociologist to remain covert and take notes on people in a public setting
• may be difficult for researcher to form a rapport with participants whilst remaining cover [therefore data would result subjectivity and verstehen and would not be very valid]

Question 4

What are overt observation?

Answer 4

When the sociologist aims to observe a group/ person and the sociologist does reveal their true identity

Question 5

Advantage to overt observation?

Answer 5

• sociologist can form a rapport with participant [as a result more verstehen and subjectivity in data collected therefore would be more valid]
• ethical as there no deception and there is gained consent

Question 6

What are disadvantages of overt observation?

Answer 6

• less valid than covert observation as participants may display demand characteristics affecting accuracy of results

Question 7

What is participant observation?

Answer 7

Sociologist joins group of people and observe them[sociologist needs to gain access to group, usually through gatekeeper]

Question 8

Advantages to participant observation

Answer 8

• very valid and accurate as sociologist gains a realistic insight to activities of group
• less demand characteristics [so high in validity]

Question 9

Disadvantages of participant observation

Answer 9

• time consuming
• researchers life could be disrupted
• small samples? [lack of generalisation]
• hard to gain access to some groups
• low reliability [as its a subjective approach mainly collecting qualitative data]