Observation

Question 1

Particpant observation - Practical issues

Answer 1

Time consuming
Dangerous 
Getting out and getting in is hard
Need to ensure stay objective and dont 'go native'
Expensive as high training needed.
Powerful groups can resist.

Question 2

Participant Observation - Theoretical issues

Answer 2

POSITIVISM-
Small sample. DOWNES AND ROCK- High external validity but low internal validity.
Recordings are biased interpretations of the researcher, loyal to the underdog.
Unsystematic and unrepeatable. WHYTE- System is unique to him.

INTERPRETIVIST
- Good for grounded theory.
High validity ads better chance of understanding.
Not just a snapshot

Macro approach
:( ignore social cause
MARX- invalid as reflect false consciousness
Functionalists- need wider view to see manifest and latent functions

MICRO
Like as bottom up approach.

Question 3

Methods in context- Overt

Answer 3

May be overly defensive if refuse to let be observed.

PUNCH- Police in Amsterdam only let him see what they wanted him to see, but could ask naive questions.

Question 4

Methods in Context- Covert

Answer 4

Less likely to change behaviour- Only way to observe is to pretend a part HUMPHREYS- Lookout Queen

No informed consent

Time consuming - HOBBS - Became coac of DI’s son’s football team so could get to know informally.

Hard to make notes
DITTON- Bread theft make notes on the loo.

Cover may be blown- PATRICK bought suit with cash and did up wrong button, cover blown. Handed axe to use in a fight.

Question 5

Methods in context - Practical

Answer 5

CICOUREL- Only way to uncover subconcious assumptions.
YABLONSKY Only way to research without break of trust and seeming like authority figure

Disparate focus on powerless and powerful deny observation. HOLDAWAY- Protective shield of police

Time consuming - ADLER - 6 years in drug gang.

Question 6

Methods in context- Validity

Answer 6

Useful to penetrate outward appearance and codes of practise
Useful to explore unknown topiuc
BUT
may become to loyal and omit info to protect group

Question 7

Methods in context- Ethics

Answer 7

May wittness illegal behaviour
VENKATESH- Leader for the day, did not report to police
HUMPHREYS- Situational ethics okay if only means to gain access.

Question 8

Non Participant

Answer 8

WHYTE- Start as non participating observer and end as non observing participant.