Topic 5 - Observations Flashcards
Who likes observations
- Interpretivists
Participant observation
- Researcher joing the group being observed
Non-participant observation
- Researcher keeps distance from the group
Covert observation
- The researcher conceals their identity and observes the group without the knowledge
Overt observation
- Observer asks for the participants consent and tells the group about the research that is being conducted
WHYTE
- Semi-overt observation
- Revealed aims to some members but not others
Practical advantages of overt observations
- Some participants may be more likely to allow observers full access into their organisation if consent/permission is asked in the correct way
Ethical advantages of overt observations
- Avoids ethical problems such as deception
- Observers physical safety is less at risk
Theoretical advantages of overt observations
- High in validity
Practical disadvantages of overt observations
- A group could refuse which means they are prevented from seeing a full picture
- PUNCH “when you were with us we only let you see what we wanted you to”
- Time-consuming
- Expensive
Ethical disadvantages of overt observations
- Invasion of privacy = uncomfortable
Theoretical disadvantages of overt observations
- Hawthorne effect
- May not always produce generalisable data
- Unreliable as often special circumstances
Practical advantages of covert observations
- Cheap
Ethical advantages of covert observations
- Anonymity and confidentiality
- Can cover sensitive data
Theoretical disadvantages of covert observations
- High in validity = avoids Hawthorne effect
Practical disadvantages of covert observations
- Limited access = safeguarding (education)
Ethical disadvantages of covert observations
- Participants are unaware their behaviour is being watched and recorded
Theoretical disadvantages of covert observations
- Low in reliability
- Note taking
LAUD HUMPHREY’S TEA ROOM TRADE
- Studied gay mens’ encounters in public toilets and found the only way to get a full picture is to immese themself in the behaviour
PATRICK
- Almostn found out when he bought his suit with cash instead of credit, and fastened his middle button of his jacket instead of the top one (different to the gang)
DITTON
- Studied theft amongst bread deliverymen, and had to use the toilets to record his observations = eventually aroused suspicion
Practical strengths of participant observations
- Flexibility
- Sometimes may be the only way to study deviant groups
YABLONSKY
- Teenage gang is likely to see researchers as a threat
Ethical advantages of participant observations
- Informed consent
Theoretical advantages of participant observations
- Validity
- Verstehen = best way to experience somethig is to experience it ourselves (German word for empathy)
Practical disadvantage of practical observations
- Time consuming
- Personal characteristics may restrict the groups the researcher can join
Ethical disadvantages of participant observations
- Deception
Theoretical disadvantages of participant observations
- Reliability
- Representitativeness
