Observations Flashcards
2 types
Participant
Non participant
Non participant
The researcher does not get involved within the group and researches from a distance
Participant observation
The researcher immersed themselves within the group
Overt
Know they are being researched
Covert
Unaware
Strengths of over participant
Allows researcher to immerse
Good understanding
Questions can be asked
Better insight
Limitations of over participant
Not representative
Hawthorne effect
Refuse access
Same results won’t be carried out (different researchers)
Strengths of overt non participant
No interference with behaviour
No harm for sociologist
Observe body language
Limitations of over non participant
Not accurate results -‘not immersed
Hawthorne effect
Strengths of covert participant observation
Does not disturb normal behaviour
Allows researcher to dig deeper
Limitations of covert participant observation
Risk of danger
Unethical
Become engrossed in their behaviour
Strengths of covets non participant
Reliable and valid data
Protects sociologists identity
Limitations of covert non participant observation
Time consuming
Hard to gain accurate information
Observer affected by actions
