observation Flashcards
1
Q
what are the the two types of observation?
A
non participant observations
participant observation
2
Q
what is overt observation?
A
researcher joins the activities group but some or all if the group know that the researcher is there
3
Q
what is covert observation?
A
the researcher conceals the fact they are doing research
4
Q
what are the strengths of participant observation?
A
- interpretist sociologist like them because - life is seen from the perspective of the group so there is highly valid data
- the truth is more likely to be recorded
- relationships may develop which means more sensitive topics can be covered
- can lead to new insights
- longitudinal so gets an overview of what happens over time
5
Q
what are the weaknesses of participant observation?
A
- hard to gain entry to a group and even if this is achieved its hard to then be accepted
- observer or researcher effects may result in the group acting less naturally
- investigator bias if a group gets too attached and ‘goes native’ meaning he looses objectivity
- ethics- may be forced to take part in a crime,involves lying to people
- expensive to start and take time
