Research Methods Topic 5 - Observations Flashcards
What is semi-overt observation?
A research method where the researcher reveals their purpose to some members but not to others.
Example: Whyte’s (1955) study of “Street Corner Society”
What is the main issue with questionnaires and interviews in research?
Participants may lie, exaggerate, or alter the truth.
This can lead to a distorted representation of their true feelings or behaviors.
What is non-participant observation?
The researcher observes the group without taking part in their activities.
Example: Using a two-way mirror to observe children playing.
What is participant observation?
The researcher joins the group and participates in their activities over time.
This method aims to gain deeper insights through involvement.
Define covert observation.
A method where the researcher’s identity and purpose are concealed from the group being studied.
The researcher often adopts a false identity.
Define overt observation.
A method where the researcher is open about their identity and purpose, obtaining consent beforehand.
This approach ensures transparency with participants.
What does ‘getting in’ refer to in participant observation?
The process of gaining entry to the group being studied.
Some groups are easier to join than others.
What is the significance of ‘acceptance’ in participant observation?
The researcher must win the trust and acceptance of the group to gather valid data.
Factors like age and ethnicity can affect acceptance.
What is ‘going native’ in participant observation?
The risk of a researcher becoming too involved with the group, leading to biased research.
Example: Punch (1979) acted as a policeman while observing police officers.
What challenges may arise when ‘getting out’ of a participant observation study?
Leaving the group without damaging relationships and detaching enough to write an accurate account.
Example: Patrick (1973) abandoned a study due to violence.
List the advantages of participant observation.
- Flexibility
- Only method for studying deviant groups
- High validity
- Empathy (verstehen)
Participant observation allows for rich qualitative data.
List the disadvantages of participant observation.
- Time-consuming
- Personal characteristics can restrict access
- Ethical concerns
- Validity and reliability issues
Participant observation is often criticized for its limitations.
What is the Hawthorne Effect?
The alteration of behavior by participants due to their awareness of being observed.
This effect can compromise the validity of research findings.
What is a practical strength of overt observation?
It allows researchers to ask naïve but important questions without raising suspicion.
Example: Asking gang members about their behaviors.
What is a disadvantage of overt observation?
Participants may refuse permission or limit access to certain information.
Example: Punch (1979) was only shown what police wanted him to see.
What is a major ethical concern with covert observation?
Deception of participants about the researcher’s true identity.
This raises moral and legal obligations for the researcher.
What is the theoretical strength of covert observation?
It minimizes the Hawthorne Effect, leading to more authentic data collection.
This is crucial for understanding genuine behaviors.
List the practical weaknesses of covert observation.
- Time-consuming
- Limited access
- Requires skilled researchers
Maintaining cover can be challenging and risky.
What ethical issues arise from participating in illegal activities during covert observation?
Researchers may have to engage in immoral actions and face legal obligations to report crimes.
This raises significant ethical dilemmas.
What is the challenge with note-taking during covert observation?
Observers cannot take notes openly and must rely on memory, affecting validity.
Example: Ditton (1977) had to secretly record observations.
What is a key reason for asking naïve questions during covert observation?
To avoid blowing their cover
This approach helps maintain the observer’s anonymity and reduces the likelihood of altering group behavior.
How does pretending to be an insider affect the Hawthorne effect?
It reduces the Hawthorne effect
The Hawthorne effect refers to changes in behavior that occur when individuals know they are being observed.
What is a limitation of covert observation regarding group size?
It lacks reliability due to small and specific groups
The small size makes it difficult to replicate findings in different contexts.
What is the issue with representativeness in covert observation studies?
The group studied is often a very small sample selected by chance
This selection method raises concerns about the generalizability of findings.
What is meant by ‘internally valid’ findings?
Findings that are valid within the specific study’s context
Internally valid results accurately reflect the observed group’s behavior.
What is the concern regarding ‘externally valid’ findings in covert observation?
They may not be generalizable to the whole population
External validity refers to the extent to which findings can be applied to broader settings or groups.
