Participant observation

Question 1

Overt observation

Answer 1

The researcher makes their identity and purpose known to those being studied - open with what they are doing

Question 2

Practical advantages - overt

Answer 2

• May be the only viable method for studying certain groups - Cicourcel
• Particularly those engaged in activities that wider society sees as deviant or disreputable
• Can be used in situations where questioning is not effective

Question 3

Study of police officers

Answer 3

Cicourel

Study of how police and probation officers categorise juveniles by unconcious assumptions about whether they are criminal ‘types’ - Unaware of assumptions, pointless to ask about them

Question 4

Ethical advantage

Answer 4

• It avoids the moral issue of obtaining information by deciet and when studying deviant groups, being expected to join their activities
• Observer can take notes openly

Question 5

Validity - disadvantage

Answer 5

Hawthorne effect - the presence of an observer makes the subjects change their behaviour - defeats the aim of the study to produce a ‘naturalistic’ account of human behaviour

Question 6

Practical advantage - education

Answer 6

• Enables sociologist to build rapport with the group and gain trust
• Difficult to gain access to certain groups, headteacher may not grant access
• Restricted by school timetable