participant observations

Question 1

What are the overt participant observation examples?

Answer 1

• Barker - ‘making of a moonie’
• Venkatesh - ‘gang leader for a day’

Question 2

What are the covert participant observation examples?

Answer 2

• Humphreys
• Griffin

Question 3

What’s a short summary of Barker’s overt ‘making of a moonie’ participant observation?

Answer 3

The Unification Church were accused of brain washing. She lived there for over 6 years, attending meetings/workshops. Found no evidence of brainwashing

Question 4

What’s a short summary of Venkatesh’s overt ‘gang leader for a day’ participant observation?

Answer 4

He spent 18 months over a 7 year period with the Black Kings, a Chicago crack-dealing gang. Lived with them, slept on the floor of crack dens. Observed illegal/violent behaviour

Question 5

What’s a short summary of Humphrey’s covert participant observation?

Answer 5

Interested in men participating in sexual activities in public. Acted as a ‘watch queen’, then got their personal info using license plates. Did a market research survey 1 year later. Most in relationship with women but little sex, 14% actively gay

Question 6

What’s a short summary of Griffin’s covert participant observation?

Answer 6

racism towards Black people in southern states. Wanted to experience first hand: used sun lamps and medication to turn Black. Even though he was an expert on race issues, he knew nothing till he saw it himself