Observations

Question 1

4 types of observations

Answer 1

•Covert observations
•Overt observations
•Participation observations
•Structured observations

Question 2

Overt observations

Answer 2

Researcher makes their true identity and purpose known to those being studied

Question 3

Advantages of overt observations

Answer 3

1)Avoids ethical (moral) problems of obtaining info by deceiving and lying
2)Allows observer to ask naive but important questions that only outsider could ask
3)Observer can take notes openly
4)Allows observer to do interviews to check info

Question 4

Disadvantages of overt observations

Answer 4

1)Group may refuse researchers permission to observe or prevent from seeing everything
2)Risks creating the Hawthorne Effect as ppl being studied may not behave normally and act differently. This creates validity problems

Question 5

Covert observations

Answer 5

Study carried out undercover. Researchers real identity and purpose are kept secret. Researcher takes on false identity as a genuine member of group.

Question 6

Advantages of covert observations- practical issues

Answer 6

•Reduces the risk of changing ppls behaviour and gather valid info
•If they knew they were being observed may want to hide things so change the way they behave, covert see how they naturally behave

Question 7

Disadvantages of covert- Practical issues

Answer 7

•Researcher keep up act + may need detailed knowledge of group before joining
•Risk of cover being blown by mistakes lead to getting kicked out/ harm
•Can’t take notes openly so rely on memory n opportunity to write them
•R can’t ask naive but important questions
•New member may change behaviour reducing validity