Observations

Question 1

Observations: In a nutshell

Answer 1

Observations in sociological research take several different forms; they can either be participant or non-participant, meaning that the researcher is directly involved in one but not the other. Although participating in observations gives a direct insight into social behaviour, this is likely to produce the Hawthorne effect due to how participants are aware they are being studied and will change their behaviour accordingly. Additionally, observations can be either covert or overt; the former means the research group are aware the observation is taking place, whereas the latter means the research group do not know they are being researched.

Question 2

What are participant observations?

Answer 2

The researcher joins in the activities of the group they are researching.

Question 3

Participant observation: Advantages

Answer 3

• Valid- groups are observed in a natural and authentic setting, therefore the data is more likely to be a true account of the group’s behaviour.
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• Valid - data generate is richly detailed and offers insight into social behaviour.

Question 4

Participant observation: Disadvantages

Answer 4

• Unreliable - being open-ended and subjective research, there is no fixed procedure or standardised system of measurement and cannot be replicated.
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• Unrepresentative - most participant observations investigate small-scale groups that are not representative of the wider population.
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• Not valid - the Hawthorne effect, due to how the observer is likely to affect the group’s behaviour, and the researcher is at risk of ‘going native’, meaning the researcher over-identifies with the group.
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• Ethical issues - it is difficult to ensure anonymity of participants.
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• Practical issues - there are issues with getting into the group, staying in the group and/or leaving the group.

Question 5

What are non-participant observations?

Answer 5

The observer avoids any direct involvement with the research group.

Question 6

Non-participant observations: advantages

Answer 6

Valid - limited risk of the researcher ‘going native’.

Question 7

Non-participant observation: disadvantages

Answer 7

• Not reliable - each observation will be subjective, and therefore cannot be repeated.
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• Not representative - involves a small-scale research sample.

Question 8

What are overt observations?

Answer 8

The researcher explains their research intention to the group, so the research subjects are aware they are being observed.

Question 9

Overt observations: advantages

Answer 9

-?Less ethical issues than covert because the participants know they’re being researched.
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- Higher level of reliability than covert.
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- The observer can openly take notes.
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- Allows researcher to use interview methods too.

Question 10

Overt observations: disadvantages

Answer 10

• Practical - Time consuming.
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• Lacks validity - Hawthorne effect.
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• Less reliable - Difficult to repeat.
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• Not always representative.

Question 11

What are covert observations?

Answer 11

The researcher keeps their real identity and purpose secret from research subjects.

Question 12

Covert observations: advantages

Answer 12

• More valid than overt because there is lack of the Hawthorne effect.
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• Research obtained is more valid because you have a first-hand insight.
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• Find out more in-depth detail about why, who, where, when etc.

Question 13

Covert observations: disadvantages

Answer 13

• Ethical issues - it is immoral to deceive people.
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• Researcher has to gain trust and acceptance (this may be time consuming).