Qualitative Primary Methods: Observation Flashcards
What is Observation?
Where people are observed by the researcher in a natural setting
What can Observation offer a researcher?
An insight into the world of their participants.
What is Non-Participant observation?
Where the researcher does not play an active role in the group and simply observes
What is participant observation?
When the researcher immerses themselves in the lifestyle of their participants
What is Overt Observation?
When participants are aware that they are being studied
What is Covert Observation?
When the identity of the researcher is hidden from participants
What did Parke and Griffiths study?
Gambling
What form of observation did Parke and Griffiths choose?
Covert observation
How was objectivity a strength in Parke and Griffiths’ study? Is it P, E or T?
They never interacted with the participants, so their research would not be affected. Theoretical strength
What did Francis study?
The behaviour of pupils in a classroom
What form of observation did Francis choose?
Covert observation
How was time a strength in Francis’ study? Is it P, E or T?
The observations only took place during lesson time. Practical strength.
How is access a strength in overt studies in relation to researchers being trusted? Is it P, E or T?
Trust can be built between the group and the researcher. Practical strength
Why are Observations being too small scale a weakness? Is it P, E or T?
It makes it difficult to generalise data to a wider population. Theoretical weakness.
Why is the amount of qualitative data to analyse a weakness? Is it P, E or T?
It is difficult to turn qualitative data into statistics. Theoretical weakness
