Observation - Introduction Flashcards
By using observational methods rather than questioning people, what do sociologists hope to gain?
A true valid picture of social reality
Non-participant observation
Researcher observed the group or event without taking part. They do not join in at all
Example of non-participant observation
Using a two way mirror
Participant observation (PO)
Researcher takes part in event or in everyday life of group while observing
What is the most common observation to be used in educational research?
Overt observation
What does the researcher make known when carrying out an overt observation?
Researcher makes their true identity and purpose known
Covert observation
Study carried out undercover so the researcher’s real identity and purpose are kept concealed
What type of PO is used in sociology?
Unstructured PO
What do sociologists use an observational schedule to do when carrying out structured PO
To categorise what happens systematically
Observational schedule
Predetermined list of types of behaviours/situations
What type of observations do positivists favour? Why?
Structured observations because they produce qualitative, statistical data
3 steps to conducting a PO study
- Getting in
- Staying in
- Getting out
What does making initial contact with the group depend on? (1. Getting in)
Depends on personal skill, having the right connections or pure chance
What will the researcher have to win from the group / an individual in the group to get in? (1. Getting in)
Their trust and acceptance
What may a researcher have to do to be accepted into a group? (1. Getting in)
Become friends with a key member
What factors of the researcher may prove an obstacle in gaining acceptance into a group? (1. Getting in)
Researcher’s fender, ethnicity, age or class
What is the ideal role for a researcher to partake in a group? (1. Getting in)
A role that doesn’t disrupt the groups normal patterns and is a good vantage point for making observations
What do researchers have to do in order to complete their study once they are in the group?
They have to stay in
What is a potential danger of staying in a group? (2. Staying in)
Becoming over involved
What does the researcher become if they over identify with the group? (2. Staying in)
They become biased so they stop being a researcher and become a group member
A balance between what and what is required when being in a group? (2. Staying in)
A balance between objectivity and over involvement
Why may a researcher gradually cease to identify noteworthy things? (2. Staying in)
The longer the researcher is in the group, the less strange the groups ways seem
What could becoming too detached result in? (2. Staying in)
The researcher being unable to understand what they are observing
What can be difficult for a researcher who has become close to the groups members? (3. Getting out)
Leaving the group
After getting out of the group, what can be difficult for the researcher?
Re-entering normal life
What may prevent a researcher from fully disclosing everything they have learnt?
Loyalty to the group
