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
Advantages of Participant Observation (2.Insight)
The best way to truly understand what something is like is to experience it.
Sociologists call this personal or subjective understanding, verstehen (empathy) - an
understanding that comes from putting yourself in another person’s place.
Advantages of Participant Observation (3.Practical)
Sometimes PO may be the only viable method for studying certain groups, particularly deviant groups.
Advantages of Participant Observation (3.Practical)
Sometimes PO may be the only viable method for studying certain groups, particularly deviant groups.
Disadvantages of PO (practical)
> It is very time-consuming, for example WHYTES study toon 4 years to complete
> If covert, it can be stressful and demanding
> social status and characteristics may limit what the researcher studies
Disadvantages of PO (Ethical Problems)
CPO in particular raises serious ethical difficulties, including deceiving people or participating in illegal activities
Disadvantages of PO (Bias and lack if objectivity)
S have a risk of becoming too involved and ‘going native’ making it difficult to remain objective and one sided.
Disadvantages of PO (Representativeness)
PO studies are usually very small and the sample is often selected randomly. This does not provide a sound basis for making generalisations
What is the Hawthorne Effect?
when the participants are aware they are being studied and act artificially to how they would usually act
What is a structured observation schedule?
This is where the researcher has a pre-determined list of behaviours and situations they are interested in to be able to record the instances.
Two reasons why sociologist sometimes use structured observation
-They do this so they can produce quantitative data
-identity patterns and trends to draw up a conclusion
What is meant by going ‘native’
It means becoming too involved and starting to believe you are really apart of this group
