Observations

Question 1

Define ‘observation’.

Answer 1

The process of closely monitoring someone and their behaviour.

Question 2

Define ‘ethnography’.

Answer 2

A description of people’s culture, norms and values.

Question 3

Give an example of ethnographic research and what it entailed.

Answer 3

Mac an Ghaill (1998) ‘Young, Gifted, and Black’ - Studied the educational achievement of ethnic minorities by gaining insight into their cultural values and beliefs.

Question 4

List the 6 types of observations.

Answer 4

1) Participant observation
2) Non-participant observation
3) Covert observation
4) Overt observation
5) Structured observation
6) Unstructured observation

Question 5

Define ‘participant observation’.

Answer 5

Where the researcher takes part in the activities of the group being studied.

Question 6

Define ‘non-participant observation’.

Answer 6

Where the researcher doesn’t take part in the activities of the group being studied.

Question 7

Define ‘covert observation’.

Answer 7

Where the group is unaware of the true identity of the researcher.

Question 8

Define ‘overt observation’.

Answer 8

Where the group is aware of the reason for the researchers’ presence.

Question 9

Define ‘structured observation’.

Answer 9

Where the researcher uses an observation schedule to count activities.

Question 10

Define ‘unstructured observation’.

Answer 10

Where the researcher uses a field diary to record information whenever possible.

Question 11

List the 3 stages of observations.

Answer 11

1) Getting in
2) Staying in
3) Getting out

Question 12

Describe stage 1 of an observation.

Answer 12

• 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

Question 13

Describe stage 2 of an observation.

Answer 13

• 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

Question 14

Describe stage 3 of an observation.

Answer 14

• 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

Question 15

Suggest a key issue of the Hawthorne Effect in overt observations.

Answer 15

Ppts may change their behaviour due to being watched, compromising the validity of findings.

Question 16

Suggest a key issue of ethics in covert observations.

Answer 16

Lack of informed consent and the right to withdraw due to the deception caused.

Question 17

Suggest a key issue of recording data in covert observations.

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

Suggest a key issue for stage 1 of participant observations.

Answer 18

Some groups may be particularly cautious and so it may be hard to infiltrate into the group.

Question 19

Suggest a key issue of sampling in observations.

Answer 19

Practical issues for amount and who are being used in the sample.

Question 20

Suggest a key issue of time in observations.

Answer 20

Length of time for whole research can be very long.

Question 21

Suggest a key issue of rapport in observations.

Answer 21

Creating a relationship with ppts can be both hard and increase subjectivity of findings, introducing researcher bias and the risk of ‘going native’.

Question 22

Give an example of a covert participant observation and what it entailed.

Answer 22

Humphreys (1970) ‘Tearoom Trade’ - Investigated the social structure of gay sexual encounters in public restrooms.

Question 23

Give an example of a overt participant observation and what it entailed.

Answer 23

Venkatesh (2008) ‘Gang Leader for a Day’ - Investigated the experience of poverty amongst the population of people living in housing estates in Chicago.