Qualitative Primary Methods: Observation

Question 1

What is Observation?

Answer 1

Where people are observed by the researcher in a natural setting

Question 2

What can Observation offer a researcher?

Answer 2

An insight into the world of their participants.

Question 3

What is Non-Participant observation?

Answer 3

Where the researcher does not play an active role in the group and simply observes

Question 4

What is participant observation?

Answer 4

When the researcher immerses themselves in the lifestyle of their participants

Question 5

What is Overt Observation? What have participants given to allow this?

Answer 5

When participants are aware that they are being studied with participants giving consent for this to happen

Question 6

What is Covert Observation? What have participants not given to allow this?

Answer 6

When the identity of the researcher is hidden from participants, and participants have not given consent