Observations Flashcards
Define ‘observation’.
The process of closely monitoring someone and their behaviour.
Define ‘ethnography’.
A description of people’s culture, norms and values.
Give an example of ethnographic research and what it entailed.
Mac an Ghaill (1998) ‘Young, Gifted, and Black’ - Studied the educational achievement of ethnic minorities by gaining insight into their cultural values and beliefs.
List the 6 types of observations.
1) Participant observation
2) Non-participant observation
3) Covert observation
4) Overt observation
5) Structured observation
6) Unstructured observation
Define ‘participant observation’.
Where the researcher takes part in the activities of the group being studied.
Define ‘non-participant observation’.
Where the researcher doesn’t take part in the activities of the group being studied.
Define ‘covert observation’.
Where the group is unaware of the true identity of the researcher.
Define ‘overt observation’.
Where the group is aware of the reason for the researchers’ presence.
Define ‘structured observation’.
Where the researcher uses an observation schedule to count activities.
Define ‘unstructured observation’.
Where the researcher uses a field diary to record information whenever possible.
List the 3 stages of observations.
1) Getting in
2) Staying in
3) Getting out
Describe stage 1 of an observation.
- If the researcher has chosen participant observation they have to find a way to join the group being studied
- Joining a group can be assisted by the ‘gatekeeper’ who will remain their key informant
Describe stage 2 of an observation.
- The researcher has to develop a role in order to stay in the group being studied
- The researcher may also need to engage in activities of the group that they may not agree with or that are illegal
- During this stage they will also need to find a way to gather and record the data needed
Describe stage 3 of an observation.
- The researcher will need to find a safe way to leave the group being studied
- This is usually achieved through the key informant
- The researcher will also need to leave without damaging relationships with members in case they want to return in the future
Suggest a key issue of the Hawthorne Effect in overt observations.
Ppts may change their behaviour due to being watched, compromising the validity of findings.
Suggest a key issue of ethics in covert observations.
Lack of informed consent and the right to withdraw due to the deception caused.
Suggest a key issue of recording data in covert observations.
It would be harder because the researcher wouldn’t want to give away their true identity and so findings would be mostly reliant on memory, reducing the validity.
Suggest a key issue for stage 1 of participant observations.
Some groups may be particularly cautious and so it may be hard to infiltrate into the group.
Suggest a key issue of sampling in observations.
Practical issues for amount and who are being used in the sample.
Suggest a key issue of time in observations.
Length of time for whole research can be very long.
Suggest a key issue of rapport in observations.
Creating a relationship with ppts can be both hard and increase subjectivity of findings, introducing researcher bias and the risk of ‘going native’.
Give an example of a covert participant observation and what it entailed.
Humphreys (1970) ‘Tearoom Trade’ - Investigated the social structure of gay sexual encounters in public restrooms.
Give an example of a overt participant observation and what it entailed.
Venkatesh (2008) ‘Gang Leader for a Day’ - Investigated the experience of poverty amongst the population of people living in housing estates in Chicago.
