Observational Methods Flashcards
What is non-participant observation (NPO) ?
The researcher observes the group or event without taking part in it
What is participant observation? (PO)
The researcher joins the group and participated in its everyday life while observing it
what is Overt observation?
The true identity of the researcher is known to those being studied, the sociologist is open with their observations and participants are aware they they are being observed
What is Covert observation?
The study is conducted ‘undercover’. The researchers real identity and purpose are concealed from the group being studied. this entails the researcher taking on a false identity and role, usually posing as a genuine member of the group they are studying
Overt Non-participation Observation (ONPO)
Sociologists often use this method when they are studying interactions in organisations such as schools,workplaces etc.
ONPO, How are they done?
-Sit with a observation schedule, and systematically commit observations to this.
-Let things unfold without pre-emptying what to look for and make notes
Example study of ONPO (Hawthorne effect)
Research was conducted by ELTON MAY-
-He wanted to find out what kinds of incentive and work condition would encourage employees to work harder.
-He first initiated a series of coffee breaks,lunch hours,background music
-When they were given two or three coffee breaks, they worked harder, but they also worked harder not given any breaks
MAYO later realised that the increase in work rates were due to the attention the workers were getting, they knew they were being observed
Advantages + Disadvantages of ONPO
(ADV) -ethical
-detached objectivity
-practical to observe
(DISADV) - Hawthorne effect
-Researcher bias
-Interpretivists would say it’s too detached
Participant observation (PO) A:Getting in (study)
-Sociologist must gain entry to group (some are easier than others)
-Making the initial contact with the group may depend on personal skills or pure chance
JAMES PATRICK was able to join a Glasgow gang because he looked white young and knew one of its members from having taught him in an approved school.
Participant observation (PO) B. Staying in (study)
-Once accepted, the researched needs to be able to stay in the group and complete the study
-This is a problem as the researcher has to be involved in the group and be detached from it (objective and unbias)
-Try not to become ‘over-involved’
E.g when MAURICE PUNCH found that striving to be accepted by the patrol group he was studying and over identified with them (acting like a police officer)
Participant observation (PO) C. Getting out
generally presents less problems then getting in or staying in; particularly for OPO.
However, in PATRICKS experience when studying the Glasgow gang was sickened by the violence and abandoned the group abruptly
Participant observation (PO) (Overt or Covert?) (OPO)
-Avoids ethical issues and allows S to ask naive but important questions
-However, it risks creating the Hawthorne Effect,undermines the validity of research
-A group may refuse research
Participant observation (PO) (Overt or Covert?) (CPO) (practical)
Practical issues:
-It requires the S to keep up an act and may call for detailed knowledge of the groups way of life before joining it
-There is always a risk of cover being blown, PATRICK almost found out when he fastened the middle button of his jacket than the top one
Participant observation (PO) (Overt or Covert?) (CPO) (Ethical)
> These often conflict with the practical advantage of observing natural behaviour. it is immoral to deceive people.
Advantages of Participant Observation (Validity)
-What people say they do when interviewed or researched, and what they do in reality is not always the same. therefore observations, provide rich qualitative data
