Observations

Question 1

Non participant

Answer 1

Does not participate with the group but observes eg observers in schools

Question 2

Participant Observation

Answer 2

Participates to some extent in behaviour of the group

Question 3

Overt

Answer 3

Makes their identity and purpose know to those who they are studying

Question 4

Covert

Answer 4

Under cover Real identity and purpose is kept concealed from the group being studied.

Question 5

Carrying out observations

Answer 5

Getting In:
Must first gain entry to the group Patrick was able to join a gang because he was accepted.

Staying In:Going native is when a researcher becomes too involved in the group resulting in bias

Getting out:
They need to get out to end the study

Question 6

Overt Observation

Answer 6

Advantages:
-Avoids ethical problems of obtaining information by deceit and having to join gangs activities
-Allows observer to ask naïve questions

-Can take notes openly
-Can use interview methods

Disadvantages
May refuse permission
Such as gatekeepers or may keep certain truths hidden away (Punch)
Hawthorne Effect
People know they are being observed therefore behave differently

Eg
Vebkatesh
Eileen Barker making if koonje
Maurice Punch Amsterdam police

Question 7

Covert Advantages and Disadvantages

Answer 7

Practical issues
Advantage
Reduces the risk of altering peoples behaviour
Disadvantage
Cover being blown as they need to know knowledge of the groups way of life which may call harm
Sociologists must rely on memory
Introduction of new member van still cause a change in behaviour

Ethical disadvantages
Deceiving people
As researchers should obtain informed consent but this cannot be done with covert
They may have to participate in illegal activities
Lie about reasons for leaving or abandoning
Examples of studies
Laud Humphrey’s Tearoom Trade

Patrick: Glasgow Gang
Didn’t publish findings till years after to conceal identities and left due to fear of violoence

Question 8

Advantages of Observations

Answer 8

Validity- it is reflective of of real life as it’s what they do in real life situations

Insight - can see what it’s like from their perspective and gain empathy insight their meaning and viewpoints can give uniquely authentic data

Flexibility-open to new questions and allows them to have an open mind

Practical Advantages
Can study those who society consider to be deviant
Participant observation also allows for a better rapport with the group gaining trust

Question 9

Disadvantages of Observations

Answer 9

Practical -time consuming and expensive
Gaining access to groups can be difficult (Gatekeepers)
Can only study small groups = less representivness
Lacks reliability one researcher may interpret the same situation in a different way

The Hawthorne Effect-People’s behaviour may change when they know there being watched

Ethical-
Invasion of privacy consent or deception or harm to researcher or the group