Participant observation

Question 1

What are different types of observation ?

Answer 1

Non-participant observation
Participant observation
Overt observation
Covert observation

Question 2

What are the main issues when conducting a participant observation ?

Answer 2

Getting in, staying in and getting out of the group your studying

Weather to use overt or covert observation

Question 3

What are the advantages of an overt observation ?

Answer 3

It avoids ethical problems of obtaining observation through deceit
Allows the the observer to ask any important questions
The observer can take notes openly
Allows the researcher to use interview methods

Question 4

What are disadvantages of an overt observation ?

Answer 4

A group may refuse permission to observe them
It risks creating the Hawthorne effect

Question 5

What are the practical issues with a covert observation ?

Answer 5

Reduced risk of altering peoples behaviour
However it requires a researcher to keep up an act

Question 6

What are the ethical issues with covert observation ?

Answer 6

Deception is seen as immoral
Covert observer may have to lie about their reasons
They may have to participate in or observe immoral or illegal activity

Question 7

What are the advantages of participant observation ?

Answer 7

Validity
Insight
Flexibility

Question 8

What are some practical advantages of participant observation ?

Answer 8

Is sometimes the only method available for studying certain groups

Question 9

What are the practical disadvantages of participant observation ?

Answer 9

Likely to be time consuming
The researcher must be trained
Requires observational and interpersonal skills
CAGE factors may prevent certain groups from being studied
Many groups may simply wish to not be studied in this way

Question 10

What are some other disadvantages of participant observation ?

Answer 10

Ethical issues
Representativeness
reliability
Bias and lack of objectivity
Validity
Lack of concept of structure