Observation - Practical Advantages and Disadvantages Flashcards
What is the best way to truly understand something? (Advantage)
Seeing something for yourself
What do sociologists call the personal or subjective understanding of a group gained from PO?
Verstehen - German word meaning empathy
What does living as a member of a group allow sociologists to gain? (Advantage)
An insight into their way of life, meanings and values
What data do PO have due to their closeness to reality? (Advantage)
Uniquely valid, authentic data
Is insight an advantage of covert or overt observation?
Both
Why is PO much more flexible than surveys? (Advantage)
Because surveys start off with fixed questions
What can researchers enter POs with? (Advantage)
An open mind
What can researchers change at any time during a PO? (Advantage)
The direction of the research and what they want to learn
Is flexibility and advantage of covert or overt observation?
Both
What may PO be the only way to do? (Advantage)
The only way to study certain groups such as criminals
What do researchers build with the group members to develop trust? (Advantage)
A rapport because some groups are suspicious of outsiders
Is access an advantage of covert or overt observation?
Covert only
What do covert observations require researcher to always do? (Disadvantage)
Always keep up an act which could lead to a risk of harm if they blow their cover
What can’t researchers openly do when carrying out a covert observation? (Disadvantage)
Take notes
Length of time taken to carry out a covert observation? (Disadvantage)
Time consuming
