Qualitative Primary Methods: Observation Strengths and Weaknesses with applied Studies

Question 1

What did Parke and Griffiths study?

Answer 1

Gambling

Question 2

What form of observation did Parke and Griffiths choose?

Answer 2

Non-participant observation

Question 3

How was objectivity a strength in Parke and Griffiths’ study? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 3

Because they never interacted with the participants, they were more likely to stay objective. This is a Theoretical Strength

Question 4

Why was the Hawthorne Effect a weakness in Parke and Griffiths’ study? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 4

If the Gamblers saw Parke and Griffiths observing them, their behaviours would likely change. This is a Theoretical Weakness

Question 5

Why was being in the natural environment of who Parke and Griffiths were observing a strength? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 5

It meant the researchers could see how participants usually behaved in the area. This is a Theoretical Strength

Question 6

Why was recording the data a weakness for Parke and Griffiths? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 6

As it was covert research, they could not be seen to constantly be taking notes. This is a Practical Weakness

Question 7

How was validity a weakness in Parke and Griffiths’ study?

Answer 7

If they were only observing participants without getting to know them better, they would have had less valuable observations. This is a Theoretical Weakness

Question 8

What did Francis study?

Answer 8

The behaviour of pupils in a classroom

Question 9

What form of observation did Francis choose?

Answer 9

Covert observation

Question 10

How was objectivity a strength in Francis’ study? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 10

Because they only interacted with participants after their classes had ended, they were more likely to remain objective. This is a Theoretical Strength

Question 11

How was quantitative data a strength in Francis’ study? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 11

It could help to reveal patterns of behaviour among participants. It is a Theoretical Strength

Question 12

How was time a strength in Francis’ study? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 12

Because observations were only carried out in lessons, they only lasted for the duration of this time. This is a practical strength

Question 13

How was the Hawthorne effect a weakness in Francis’ study? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 13

As students were told about Francis’ purpose of being in the classroom, students could have altered their behaviour. This is a Theoretical Weakness

Question 14

Why could access have been a weakness in Francis’ study? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 14

As Francis did this in a school, there was a chance they could not have gained access to their participants. This is a practical weakness

Question 15

What did Lacey study?

Answer 15

The underachievement of working class boys in grammar schools

Question 16

What form of observation did Lacey choose?

Answer 16

Covert Participant Observation

Question 17

How could access have possibly been a weakness for Lacey? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 17

Because he was trying to research school students, he could have been denied access. This is a Practical Weakness

Question 18

How was reliability a weakness in Lacey’s study? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 18

All observations were different as Lacey interacted with the whole school. This is a Theoretical Weakness

Question 19

How was standardisation a weakness in Lacey’s study? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 19

As all interactions were different, he would not be able to follow a clear pattern of questions to ask. This is a Theoretical Weakness

Question 20

How was observing in participants’ natural environment a strength in Lacey’s study? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 20

Because he was at the school the participants went to, they would act how they usually did. This is a Theoretical Strength

Question 21

How was time a weakness in Lacey’s study? Is it P, E or T?

Answer 21

Lacey spent months doing this research. This is a Practical Weakness.