Observations Flashcards
what are the 4 types of observations
participant
non participant
overt
covert
what does it mean by participant observation
the researcher will join a group to observe their activities as well as observing them
what is meant by non participant observation
the researcher will observe the group but not take part in any activities
what is meant by covert observation
this means the subject group will not know they are being studied or what they are being studied for
what is meant by overt observation
the researcher is transparent about what they are researching and the participants know they are in a study
what are two theoretical strengths of participant observations
- high validity due to natural setting
* rich qualitative data (interpretivists)
give 4 practical weaknesses of participant observations
- hawthorne effect (if overt) affects validity
- trouble getting in/staying in/ dangerous to leave group
- personal skills of researcher required
- cant record notes(if covert) based off memory
give 3 ethical weaknesses of participant observations
- difficult to ensure anonymity
- moral dilemma eg if participant commits crime
- consent issues
give 2 theoretical weaknesses of participant observations
- lack reliability as less controlled and more subjective
* researcher bias could influence data; going native bc too involved ; lacks objectivity
give 4 practical strengths of non participant observations
- less dangerous for researcher
- less risk of going native
- less personal skills needed
- can openly take notes
give a theoretical strength if non participant observations
- more likely to be objective = more valid
* more structured = quantitative data
give 2 theoretical weaknesses kf non participant observations
- lacks reliability as each observation is subjective
* lacks detail and can misinterpret data
give a practical weakness of non participant observations
the hawthorne effect (if overt)
give an ethical weakness of non participant observations
•(if covert) hard to obtain consent and right to withdraw
give two practical strengths of overt observations
- less risk if going native + interviewer methods allowed
* observer can openly take notes
give a theoretical strength of overt observations
more reliable than ckvert
give an ethical strength if overt observations
•consent easily gained
give a practical weakness if overt observations
hawthorne effect
give two theoretical weaknesses of overt observations
lacks reliability (difficult to repeat) less valid (hawthorne effect)
give two practical strengths if covert observations
- no hawthorne effect
* more access to more groups
give two theoretical strengths of covert observations
- rich detailed data
* more valid than overt
give 3 practical weaknesses of covert observations
- takes time to build rapport
- memory based bc cant take notes openly
- danger of going native
give 4 ethical weaknesses of covert observations
- building rapport may lead to deception
- no consent
- moral dilemmas
- potential danger /harm
give two theoretical weaknesses of covert observations
- lacks reliability
* going native affects validity bc researcher bias
