Topic 5 - Participant Observations

Question 1

Define non participant and participant observations

Answer 1

Non participant - the researcher observes a group by watching from afar writing notes

Participant - The researcher joins the group being observed and participates in their daily activities.

Question 2

Define covert and overt observations

Answer 2

Covert - the observer conceals their true identity and research aims. Researchers go “under cover” and adopt mannerisms of the group.

Overt - the observer asks permission and tells the group about the research aims before the observation.

Question 3

Give a practical advantage of overt observations

Answer 3

Access - some participants are more likely to allow observations if consent/permission this also let’s them be more efficient

Question 4

Give 2 ethical advantages of overt observations

Answer 4

1. Avoids moral problems such as deception
2. Observers physical safety is less at risk

Question 5

Give a theoretical advantage of overt observations

Answer 5

High in reliability as observer can ask questions and write notes

Question 6

Give a practical disadvantage of overt observations. (Theorsit)

Answer 6

Access - a group could refuse permission or prevent them from seeing certain things

Punch

Question 7

Give an ethical disadvantage of overt observations.

Answer 7

Distress - although conest is gained observers presence can make subjects feel uncomfortable. Feeling invaded.

Question 8

Give a theoretical disadvantage of overt observations.

Answer 8

Overt observations create the hawthorne effect as subjects are aware of observation affecting validity.

Question 9

Give a practical strength of covert observations.

Answer 9

Time - you don’t have to wait to get consent from subjects you can start the observation as soon as you want

Question 10

Give an ethical strength of covert observations.

Answer 10

Confidentiality - as the process is unconsentual, those observed are often kept unnamed. Thus, any negatives aren’t linked back to those observed.

Question 11

Give a theoretical strength of covert observations.

Answer 11

High in validity as those who are involved don’t know they’re being observed thus no hawthorne effect

Question 12

Give one practical disadvantage of covert observations.

Answer 12

Limited access - in some cases, it may be hard to access the environment observed so resources and effort is needed

Question 13

Give one ethical disadvantage of covert observations (theorists)

Answer 13

Safety - observers need to act to fit in with the group covertly and may have their cover ‘blown’, leading to violence

Patrick

Question 14

Give a theoretical disadvantage of covert observations. (Theorist)

Answer 14

Note-taking - sociologists can’t take notes openly, so notes are based on memory impacting validity and can arouse suspicious making subjects act differently.

Ditton had to take notes in the toilet leading to aroused suspicious**

Question 15

Define participant observations

Answer 15

Where the researcher gets involved within the observation and starts asking questions or getting involved in activities

Question 16

Give a practical strength for participant observations (theorist)

Answer 16

Flexibility - doesn’t require a hypothesis or pre-set questions

Yablonsky points out certain groups are likely to see a researcher as a threat. Participation allows the building of rapport.

Question 17

Give an ethical strength of participant observations.

Answer 17

Informed consent - researchers are transparent about their goals and roles. So participants can make an informed decision to contest.

Question 18

Give a theoretical strength of participant observations.

Answer 18

High in validity researchers can build a relationship of trust therefore creating more valid data. Verstehen can be experienced increasiing validity.

Question 19

Define verstehen

Answer 19

The best way to understand something is to experience it. Valid data build from ‘living in another’s shoes’

Question 20

Give a practical disadvantage of participant observations (theorist)

Answer 20

Restriction caused by personal characteristics - you can’t study certain groups due to your age, gender etc.

Downes and Rock - groups have the power to prevent observation form people who don’t ‘fit in’

Question 21

Give an ethical weakness of participant observations.

Answer 21

Can include the use of deception as some groups won’t allow access so researchers may need to lie

Question 22

Give a theoretical disadvantage of participant observations.

Answer 22

Validity could be effected due to researcher bias possibility being loyal to the group studied ‘going native’ so its not a fully objective account.