ppt observation Flashcards
what is it?
The researcher interacts w the ppt + plays a part in their everyday life to try achieve verstehen
can be covert/overt
practical +
-If overt, can openly record findings
-Only realistic method when researching deviant groups
practical -
-Being able to get in, out
-Time consuming
-Researcher may have to have certain characteristics to gain access to group
ethical +
-Minimal issues if overt
-Covert can still gain permission
-Can give the powerless a voice
ethical -
-Can put yourself in risk of harm
-Deception
-Lack of informed consent
theoretical +
-May develop deeper understanding of social issues
-Ability to achieve verstehen
-Favoured by interpretivists
theoretical -
-Hawthorne effect
-Validity can be affected if grown too close to group
-Interpretations of behaviour
-Rejected by positivists
examples in education
Mac + ghaill
-Whilst employed as a teacher he conducted an overt ppt obs w his students looking at how they dealt w racism, hanging out w them informally