Participant Observation

Question 1

What is the hawthorne effect?

Answer 1

Changing behaviour when being watched

Question 2

What are the specific advantages and disadvantages of participant observation?

Answer 2

:) possible to research a group who could otherwise not be accessed
:) high levels of verstehen
:( researcher needs good observational/interpersonal skills
:( observations can get too subjective and lead to the researcher ‘going native’

Question 3

What did Foote-Whyte do?

Answer 3

Street corner society (1955)

• Study of a gang in Boston over 3 and a half years
• Access to gang by befriending ‘Doc’ - gang leader
• Semi-overt study - revealed true purpose to Doc but not to others

Question 4

What is a good and bad point about Foote-Whyte’s study?

Answer 4

:) Good verstehen

:( Deception of gang members - protection of himself?

Question 5

What did Laud Humphreys do?

Answer 5

Tea Room Trade (1970)

• Study of casual homosexual encounters in men’s public toilets
• Acted as lookout
• Noted no.plates and was able to get addresses

Question 6

What is a good and bad point about Laud Humphreys’ study?

Answer 6

:) Easy access for him

:( Deception as acted as look out. Also sensitive topic, went to their homes and questioned them about it afterwards.

Question 7

What did Patrick do?

Answer 7

A Glasgow Gang observed (1973)

• Study of a violent teenage gang
• Had to keep his real name secret as feared for his safety
• Covert

Question 8

What is a good and bad point about Patrick’s study?

Answer 8

:) Good insight into a secluded gang + not putting the gang in any extra danger
:( Deception of gang + protection of himself, could be hurt

Question 9

What did Eileen Barker do?

Answer 9

Making of a Moonie

• Study of a religious sect over 6 years
• Overt - told the sect her purpose

Question 10

What is a good and bad point about Eileen Barker’s study?

Answer 10

:) Easy access as was confronted to write an account

:( Hawthorn effect