Non-Participant Observation

Question 1

What is Non-Participant Observation?

Answer 1

When the researcher simply observes rather than takes part. This can produce both quantitative and qualitative data, therefore it is more objective.

Question 2

An example of non-participant observation:

Answer 2

Elton Mayo investigated the Hawthorne Plant in Chicago to research what type of conditions would encourage staff to work harder. 5 female volunteer staff and altered breaks, temperature, etc and found that whenever changes were made, workers’ productivity increased.

Question 3

Strengths of Non-Participant Observation (covert and overt):

Answer 3

Have informed consent, valid, verstehen, right to withdraw.

Question 4

Weaknesses of Non-Participant Observation (covert and overt)

Answer 4

Expensive, need specific skills, access, time-consuming, lack of informed consent, deceptive, no right to withdraw.