Ovet Participant Observation

Question 1

Barker (1984) - Moonies

Answer 1

• study of members of the Unification Church, sect headed by Revd Moon
• bad press + accusations of corruption, kidnapping, brainwashing of members
• investigate if true
• 6 years lived with Moonies at various centres
• took part in meetings, workshops, communal facilities
• no evidence of brainwashing

Question 2

Venkatesh (2009) - Gang

Answer 2

• spent 18 months, spread over 7 years, participated in Black Kings
• Black Kings = Chicago crack-dealing gang
• lived with members, slept on couches + floor to gain insights in poverty-stricken community
• observed illegal + violent behaviour
• gained insights into lives of drugs-dealers, squatters, prostitutes, pimps, police officers + others

Question 3

PET analyse (Barker)

Answer 3

Practical - first hand knowledge, gain trust = time
Ethical - avoids deception, may refuse access
Theoretical - qualitative data, hawthorne effect

Question 4

PET analyse (Barker)

Answer 4

Practical - first hand knowledge, gain trust = time
Ethical - avoids deception, may refuse access
Theoretical - qualitative data, hawthorne effect

Question 5

PET analyse ( Venkatesh)

Answer 5

Practical - important questions can be asked, time consuming
Ethical - avoids deception, harmful to participants
Theoretical - open minded approach, not representative