PARTICIPANT OBSERVATIONS Flashcards
1
Q
Types of observations
interpretivists/qualitative data
A
- non-participant: researcher observes the group without taking part
- participant: researcher takes part in an event/everyday life observing it
- overt observation: researcher makes their true identity and purpose known to those being studied
- covert observation: study is carried out ‘undercover’ and identity is kept concealed to pose as a genuine member of the group
2
Q
PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES
A
- sometimes the only viable method to study certain groups e.g. a gang that engages in deviance
- reduces the risk of altering someone’s behaviour (covert)
3
Q
PRACTICAL DISADVANTAGES
A
- very time-consuming; Whyte’s study took 4 years
- researcher needs to be trained to identify significant information - time-consuming and expensive
- personally stressful and demanding (esp. covert), requires them to keep up an act
- requires observational/interpersonal skills
- personal characteristics to fit in with group (age, gender)
- researchers cannot take notes openly
4
Q
THEORETICAL ADVANTAGES
A
- covert eliminates Hawthorne effect (change in behaviour when they know the are being studied)
- actually observing people in real life allows for more rich qualitative data to provides a picture of how they really live (other methods cannot do e.g. questionnaires); high validity
- gives insight into their life; allows researcher to feel empathy
- high flexibility; go into the study with an open mind instead of a fixed hypothesis
5
Q
THEORETICAL DISADVANTAGES
A
- overt risks the Hawthorne effect, even the observer being present may change behaviour (covert)
- too time-consuming to obtain large group of data - lack of representation
- study usually happens by chance
- not standardised so hard to repeat - not reliable
- could be biased/subjective - becoming too attached to the group/fear of being hurt
- Positivist argue that findings are just subjective and bias impressions of the observer (in their eyes)
structural theorists (e.g. marxists) believe observers focus on a micro level and not the wider impact
6
Q
ETHICAL DIS/ADVANTAGES
A
- covert observations are deceiving by gaining information immorally
- may engage in illegal activities
- covert observers may have to lie about leaving the group; finding a way out is hard
- as witnesses to such activities, they may have a moral duty to intervene or to report to police in some actions
