RESEARCH METHODS- OBSERVATIONS Flashcards
What is Non-Participant Observation?
Non-Participant Observation is when the researcher observes a group without becoming involved in the group’s activities. The researcher remains an outsider while observing the group.
What is Structured Non-Participant Observation?
Structured Non-Participant Observation, also known as Flanders Interaction Analysis Categories (FIAC), is a method where researchers use a structured observational schedule to systematically categorize behaviors. The schedule consists of pre-determined behavior types, and each time an instance occurs, the researcher records it.
This method provides quantitative data and allows for establishing cause-and-effect relationships. It’s less time-consuming and can involve a larger sample, contributing to representativeness and generalization. The observation is usually overt, preventing ethical issues but lacks validity since it doesn’t explain why behaviors occur.
What are the strengths of Structured Non-Participant Observation?
Efficiency: The method is time-efficient, allowing researchers to observe a larger sample.
Reliability: As the observation is standardized, it can be replicated by other researchers for reliability.
Generalizability: Since it involves a large sample, the data can be generalized to a larger population.
Overt Nature: Ethical issues are minimized as participants are aware of the research and consent.
What are the limitations of Structured Non-Participant Observation?
Lack of Validity: The data collected doesn’t explain why behaviors occur, only that they do.
Oversimplification: Focusing on specific behaviors may miss the broader context of participant interactions.
Observer Bias: The researcher may impose their own interpretations on the observed behaviors.
What is Participant Observation?
Participant Observation, also known as unstructured participant observation, is a method where the researcher fully immerses themselves in the group they are studying by participating in their activities. This approach allows the researcher to observe the group in its natural setting and gather qualitative, valid data. It’s a favored method by Interpretivists, who believe it provides a deeper understanding of the group’s experiences.
What are the strengths of Participant Observation?
Flexibility: Researchers can adapt their methods based on what they encounter during the study.
Rich Data: The researcher experiences events firsthand, allowing for detailed, qualitative insights.
Valid Data: As the researcher becomes part of the group, they gain access to a deeper understanding of the participants’ experiences (verstehen).
Ethical Protection: The use of pseudonyms can protect participants’ anonymity and confidentiality.
What are the limitations of Participant Observation?
Time-Consuming: It requires a long duration and highly trained researchers with excellent interpersonal skills.
Personal Demand: The researcher may face emotional or ethical challenges, especially in covert studies.
Ethical Issues: If the observation is covert, it may involve deception, or researchers might need to engage in illegal activities.
Unrepresentative Sample: The study tends to focus on small groups, making it hard to generalize findings.
Bias: The researcher may become too emotionally involved (going native), leading to biased data.
Reliability Issues: The research is unique to the group studied and can’t be replicated in the same way.
What is Overt Observation?
Overt Observation occurs when the researcher’s identity and the purpose of the study are made known to the participants. This method avoids ethical issues like deception, as participants consent to being studied. The researcher can freely ask questions and take notes openly.
What are the strengths of Overt Observation?
No Ethical Issues: As participants are aware of the study and give consent, there are no ethical concerns about deception.
Free to Ask Questions: The researcher can ask clarifying questions when necessary, helping to ensure the data is valid.
Open Note-taking: The researcher can take notes openly, which helps maintain the validity of the data.
What are the limitations of Overt Observation?
Hawthorne Effect: Participants may change their behavior because they know they are being observed, which can undermine the validity of the findings.
Limited Access: The group under study may restrict the researcher’s access to certain activities or areas, affecting the comprehensiveness of the data.
What is Covert Observation?
Covert Observation is when the researcher’s identity and purpose are kept secret from the participants. The researcher takes on a false identity to study the group undercover. This method reduces the risk of the Hawthorne Effect, as participants do not know they are being observed.
What are the strengths of Covert Observation?
Reduced Hawthorne Effect: Since participants are unaware of the observation, they are likely to behave naturally.
Valid Data: Because participants act naturally, the data collected reflects real-world behavior.
What are the limitations of Covert Observation?
Ethical Issues: Deceiving participants raises significant ethical concerns, as informed consent is not obtained.
Risk of Discovery: The researcher’s cover can be blown if they make a mistake, and they can’t openly take notes or ask questions.
Reliability Concerns: Data relies on memory, which may lead to inaccuracies if the researcher forgets key details.
Engagement in Risky Behavior: The researcher may have to take part in illegal or dangerous activities to maintain their cover.
What are the stages of conducting Participant Observation?
Getting In: Gaining entry to the group, which can be difficult for closed groups. The researcher may need a sponsor to help them integrate.
Staying In: Observing and participating in the group’s activities. This includes unstructured interviews and asking subtle questions. The researcher must avoid influencing behavior and be cautious of becoming too involved (going native).
Getting Out: Exiting the group once the research is complete. This can be difficult, especially after long-term immersion. The researcher may need to leave abruptly for safety or ethical reasons.
What are the strengths of Participant Observation?
Practical: The method is flexible and allows for real-world insights.
Ethical: Anonymity can be maintained by using
pseudonyms.
Theoretical: It produces valid, qualitative data that helps researchers understand the experiences of participants.
