research method topic 4 observations

Question 1

what are 4 different types of observations and explain them?

Answer 1

1. participant observation ( unstructured participant)
   = taking part and observing their actions
2. non participants = not taking part just observing their actions
3. overt observation = participants know they are being observed and aware of the researchers purpose.
4. covert observation= researchers act undercover and study is kept a secret.

Question 2

participant observation
what are 3 steps to po?

2 strengths

2 weakness

Answer 2

1. getting in =refers to the researcher gaining entry to the group and becoming accepted as member. they have to find a sponsor = someone who will integrate them into the group.
2. staying in = researcher needs to stay in the group. need a key informant - a member who will provide them with vital information. main problem is going naïve - becoming biased as result of over identifying with group.
3. getting out = it is easier getting out then in the group. some researchers find to re integrate into their “normal” life.

practical :
flexible than other methods. the researcher can go into research with little idea and find out alot more so they can formulate their theory on real life rather than what they think they will find out.

valid = as the researchers get to experience the events for themselves which is verstehen.

weakness:

it can include deceiving people or even engaging in illegal activities.

data is not reliable as you can replicate it. e.g two gangs are not same.

Question 3

non participant observation
2 strengths
2 weakness

Answer 3

researchers have opportunity to make notes of when events take place ensuring data is valid.

participants know they are being observed so fewer ethical considerations

weakness
1. Hawthorne effect

2. as researcher is not involved with the group actively. there may be a lack of insight. this may result in researcher imposing their own interpretation on the actions and this will affect the validity.

Question 4

overt observation
2 strengths
2 weakness

Answer 4

participants know they are being observed so they already have given out their consent.

researcher is allowed to ask questions if they don’t understand this makes the data valid.

weakness
group being observed might not let the researcher see everything so data might not be valid

Hawthorne effect

Question 5

covert observation
1 strengths

2 weakness

Answer 5

1. reduces risk of hawthorne effect occuring as participants dont know they are being observed.

2 weakness
-researcher true identity is hidden so they have to keep on a a act e.g pretend to be criminal as result sociologist has to be highly trained and this can cost money

no informed consent

Question 6

what is strengths and limitations of using (non) participant observation
in education

( pet strength)

( 1 weakness)

Answer 6

p = gathers quantitave data e.g teacher interaction with student can easily analysed and discover cause and effect relationship

e= if the lesson is being observed the participants have clearly consented to being part of the study

t= reliable research can be easily replicated in different schools/ lessons

weakness= lacks validity may show us how teachers and students behave but no show the reason behind why they behave like that.

Question 7

what is strengths and limitation of using ( participants) observation in education?

et strength

pet weakness

Answer 7

strength
e= the participants anonymity can easily be protected using pseudonyms

t= validity = by taking part in the day of life of school researcher gains a detail understanding of the issues they are researching.

weakness
p = time consuming = take months of even years to carry it out

e= the researcher may discover illegal activities e.g students this creates dilemma of whether they should report it to school or police.

t= unrepresentative = sample is so small one schools is not enough to make a representation