Observation - Introduction

Question 1

By using observational methods rather than questioning people, what do sociologists hope to gain?

Answer 1

A true valid picture of social reality

Question 2

Non-participant observation

Answer 2

Researcher observed the group or event without taking part. They do not join in at all

Question 3

Example of non-participant observation

Answer 3

Using a two way mirror

Question 4

Participant observation (PO)

Answer 4

Researcher takes part in event or in everyday life of group while observing

Question 5

What is the most common observation to be used in educational research?

Answer 5

Overt observation

Question 6

What does the researcher make known when carrying out an overt observation?

Answer 6

Researcher makes their true identity and purpose known

Question 7

Covert observation

Answer 7

Study carried out undercover so the researcher’s real identity and purpose are kept concealed

Question 8

What type of PO is used in sociology?

Answer 8

Unstructured PO

Question 9

What do sociologists use an observational schedule to do when carrying out structured PO

Answer 9

To categorise what happens systematically

Question 10

Observational schedule

Answer 10

Predetermined list of types of behaviours/situations

Question 11

What type of observations do positivists favour? Why?

Answer 11

Structured observations because they produce qualitative, statistical data

Question 12

3 steps to conducting a PO study

Answer 12

1. Getting in
2. Staying in
3. Getting out

Question 13

What does making initial contact with the group depend on? (1. Getting in)

Answer 13

Depends on personal skill, having the right connections or pure chance

Question 14

What will the researcher have to win from the group / an individual in the group to get in? (1. Getting in)

Answer 14

Their trust and acceptance

Question 15

What may a researcher have to do to be accepted into a group? (1. Getting in)

Answer 15

Become friends with a key member

Question 16

What factors of the researcher may prove an obstacle in gaining acceptance into a group? (1. Getting in)

Answer 16

Researcher’s fender, ethnicity, age or class

Question 17

What is the ideal role for a researcher to partake in a group? (1. Getting in)

Answer 17

A role that doesn’t disrupt the groups normal patterns and is a good vantage point for making observations

Question 18

What do researchers have to do in order to complete their study once they are in the group?

Answer 18

They have to stay in

Question 19

What is a potential danger of staying in a group? (2. Staying in)

Answer 19

Becoming over involved

Question 20

What does the researcher become if they over identify with the group? (2. Staying in)

Answer 20

They become biased so they stop being a researcher and become a group member

Question 21

A balance between what and what is required when being in a group? (2. Staying in)

Answer 21

A balance between objectivity and over involvement

Question 22

Why may a researcher gradually cease to identify noteworthy things? (2. Staying in)

Answer 22

The longer the researcher is in the group, the less strange the groups ways seem

Question 23

What could becoming too detached result in? (2. Staying in)

Answer 23

The researcher being unable to understand what they are observing

Question 24

What can be difficult for a researcher who has become close to the groups members? (3. Getting out)

Answer 24

Leaving the group

Question 25

After getting out of the group, what can be difficult for the researcher?

Answer 25

Re-entering normal life

Question 26

What may prevent a researcher from fully disclosing everything they have learnt?

Answer 26

Loyalty to the group