Observations Flashcards
(23 cards)
Why are unstructured participant observations high in validity? Ena please give an example
It is high in validity because subjects are studied in their natural environment and so what people do, rather than simply what they do.for example, Williams research into football hooliganism showed how football hooligans actually behave on match days and to crime and deviance they engaged in during the week.
What are the 5 main types of observation?
Covert-secret, identity, purpose not known
Overt-open identity and purpose known
Participants-observe and join
Non participant-observe but do not join
Structured observation-observation are recorded using an observation or schedule check list
How does PO produce in-depth qualitative data?use offenders as your example
It provides detailed and valid data concerning the feelings, motives, emotions and meanings of people being studied. For example some offenders commit crime for excitement, status, boredom, poverty etc.
How does PO allow for flexibility?
This is because the researcher is likely to follow up new situations as they are encountered and changes direction when appropriate.
How does flexibility produce a grounded theory?
Concord and hypotheses are grounded in things that are seen rather than imposed by researcher.validity is again increased as a consequence
Why would positivist sociologist argue that unstructured participant observation is low in reliability?
PO is unsystematic. Each observational study is also unique experience.
Also the flexibility and interpersonal skills needed in the approach may mean it is difficult to retest and gain similar results
How is going native an issue in PO?
Sociologist get to immersed in the role and cease to be objective and unbiased.this lowers validity
Why did venkatsch admit to his data as being not valid?
He built a very close relationship with a violent subculture, this invalidated his study as he became to sympathise with them
Why are there difficulties in gaining access in PO? And how did Patrick over come this?
This is because making initial contact requires good personal skills and having the right connection.
Patrick was able to gain entry to a Glasgow gang as he looked quite young and knew one of the gang members. It is easier to join a football crowd to study football hooliganism from distance.
Why would there be problems being accepted into the group?
Researchers have to overcome people’s suspicion and gain their trust
What did griffin do to get accepted?
Griffin took medication and recieved sun lamp treatments to change his skin and pass of as black when studying racism in the Deep South of the USA .
Give an example of a sociologist that had issues going native?
Punch observing the police found himself actually ceasing and holding suspects.
Why is it important to maintain anoynomity in PO?
It is important to maintain anonymity. This is particularly important to protect identities of people who may be breaking the law and could be subject to persecution
Why do positivist favour structured non-participant observation? Why do intepretivists reject it?
It is quicker, so a larger, more representative sample can be studied
The observer remains detached: they do not ‘go native’and loose objectivity
It uses standardised observational categories allowing researchers to establish casual relationships
Interpretivist argue it imposes the researchers view of reality
How does CPO eliminate the Hawthorne effect?
Pps are unaware they are being studied so are likely to behave naturally
Why can CPO be the only method for studying some groups?
When studying anti-school subcultures, pupils may be suspicious of the researcher asking questions or where people are engaged in activities they would rather keep to themselves e.g humphrey research into homosexual behaviour in men’s toilets.or where questioning people would be ineffective e.g the police as they may cover things up, especially when dealing with sensitive issues such as police racism.
In covert operation why would making open notes be impossible?
This is because it may produce a Hawthorne effects. The researcher has to rely on memory and therefore some points may be forgotten.william admits he may have made mistakes or relied on his own interpretation
Explain one ethical issue of covert PO
There is no informed consent. This leads to deception and exploitation. When studying some criminalngroups the observer may have to condone or take part in immoral or illegal activities to maintain their cover role. Venkatschn became Gang leader for the day and had to decide on disciplinary matters that included punishing the members
Give me one specific advantage of overt PO on terms of being discovered?
The researcher does not have to worry about being discovered. You are able to ask naive questions for example asking any criminal why they steal. The moonies were fully aware that barker was a sociologist and studying their deviant religious groups
An ethical advantage of overt observation?
Ethical problems are greatly reduced, as there is no deception. Barker gained informed consent from the leader of the loonies
What is a specific Disadvantage of overt in terms of validity?
Hawthorne effect may occur .pps know they are being observed and are likely to change their behaviour, this can lower validity.
This is a real problem when observing deviant or criminal behaviours they may become much more law abiding
Why may consent be seen as problem in overt?
Some groups may not consent to being studied or prevent the researcher from seeing everything . Barker went through three complex stages of observation so she would be accepted .
Punch found out from one of the police he was observing”when you were with us, we only let you see what we wanted you to see”
Don’t forget structured non-participant observation
Pre determined observational categories allow data to be quantified and comparisons easily drawn
Flanders pupil-teacher interaction
