👀
Participant Observation —
Research Methods
Looking at the main types of observation method before
focusing on the one that is used most often by sociologists
— namely, participant observation.
Types of observation
Different types of observation:
Non-participant observation
Observes the group without taking part in it.
May use a two way mirror to observe children playing.
Participant observation
Researcher actually takes part in the everyday life of the group while
observing it.
We can distinguish between them:
Overt observation
Researcher make their identity known to those being studied.
Participant Observation — Research Methods 1
, They are open to what they are doing.
Covert observation
Is carried out "under cover".
Researchers identity and purpose are kept concealed from the group being
studied.
Researcher takes on a false identity and role.😎
William Whyte's study of 'Street Corner Society' was semi-overt (partly
open).
He revealed his real purpose to a key member of the group but not to
others. 🤓
Most observation is unstructured participant observation.
Positivist sociologists in particular do occasionally use structured
observation, which is normally non-participant.
Observation may be used in conjunction with other methods.
When interviewing, the researcher may observe interviewees' body
language to gauge whether or not they are telling the truth.
Conducting a participant observation study
Sociologist face two main issues when conducting a participant observation
study:
Getting in, staying in and getting out...
of the group being studied.
Whether to use overt or cover observation.
🤓 or 😎
🚪 Getting In
Participant Observation — Research Methods 2
Participant Observation —
Research Methods
Looking at the main types of observation method before
focusing on the one that is used most often by sociologists
— namely, participant observation.
Types of observation
Different types of observation:
Non-participant observation
Observes the group without taking part in it.
May use a two way mirror to observe children playing.
Participant observation
Researcher actually takes part in the everyday life of the group while
observing it.
We can distinguish between them:
Overt observation
Researcher make their identity known to those being studied.
Participant Observation — Research Methods 1
, They are open to what they are doing.
Covert observation
Is carried out "under cover".
Researchers identity and purpose are kept concealed from the group being
studied.
Researcher takes on a false identity and role.😎
William Whyte's study of 'Street Corner Society' was semi-overt (partly
open).
He revealed his real purpose to a key member of the group but not to
others. 🤓
Most observation is unstructured participant observation.
Positivist sociologists in particular do occasionally use structured
observation, which is normally non-participant.
Observation may be used in conjunction with other methods.
When interviewing, the researcher may observe interviewees' body
language to gauge whether or not they are telling the truth.
Conducting a participant observation study
Sociologist face two main issues when conducting a participant observation
study:
Getting in, staying in and getting out...
of the group being studied.
Whether to use overt or cover observation.
🤓 or 😎
🚪 Getting In
Participant Observation — Research Methods 2
