observations

Question 1

who favours them and why

Answer 1

interpretivists - offer opportunity for rich valid qualitative data

Question 2

who rejects them and why

Answer 2

positivists - impossible to replicate, low in reliability, small samples - not representative or generalisable

Question 3

what are the four types of obseravtion

Answer 3

1. participant overt
2. participant covert
3. non-participant overt
4. non participant covert

Question 4

what is a practical strength of using observations

Answer 4

flexibility: not fixed, can keep an open mind, can develop new hypothesises and research questions as you go along
whyte: stated he found answers to questions he may not have asked if doing interviews

Question 5

what are two practical disadvantage of using observations

Answer 5

1. issues when recording data: hard to record data, may need to take notes at end off day - may forget
2. require interpersonal skills: to gain access to certain groups, some people may not posses (like griffin)

Question 6

what is a ethical advantage of using observations

Answer 6

stepping back when overt: if group knows you are a researcher, you should be able to step back from certain activities you wish to not take part in

Question 7

what is an ethical disadvantage of using obeservations

Answer 7

witnessing criminal activity: if studying a criminal group this is likely, reporting activities would have an impact on their lives Paul Willis and witnessing the lads damaging seats

Question 8

what is a theoretical advantage of using observations

Answer 8

higher validity: sociologist gets close yo peoples lived reality, uniquely valid and insightful qualitative data

Question 9

what is a theoretical disadvantage of using observations

Answer 9

lacks reliability: positivists see it as unsystematic, impossible to replicate. Whyte: admitted his observation style is unique so couldnt be carried out identically by another researcher

Question 10

what is an advantage and a disadvantage of using overt

Answer 10

advantage: can ask questions without arousing suspicion
disadvantage: some groups will deny you access

Question 11

what is an advantage and disadvantage of using covert

Answer 11

advantage: may be only way to obtain information, groups may not consent to an overt researcher
disadvantage: you may have to engage in dangerous/illegal activites