Participant Observation What is Participant Observation l l

Participant Observation

What is Participant Observation l l l involves the researcher "getting to know" the people they're studying by entering their world and participating in that world. Observation may be covert (secret) or overt (open) This means you put yourself "in the shoes" of the people you're studying in an attempt to experience events in the way they experience them.

Participant Observation (cont’d) l l Usually involves observation over an extended period of time Observer must, however, maintain objectivity to understand, analyse and explain the social world under study. Qualitative rather than quantitative – observor gains a deeper understanding of the group being observed. Difficult to record / remember/ write down everyting that is observed

What is Covert Observation? l l the social researcher participating fully without informing members of the social group of the reasons for her presence, thus the research is carried out secretly or covertly. contact with a 'gatekeeper', a member of the group under study who will introduce the researcher into the group

Advantages of Covert Participant Observation l l l The behaviour of those being observed remains unaltered – i. e. avoids the ‘observer effect’ The observer may be allowed access to ‘privileged’ inside information and decision making of the group Observer gains access to groups who would otherwise not allow observation

Disadvantages of Covert Observation l l • • researcher ‘goes native’ – i. e. sympathises with / identifies with the group and loses objectivity becoming involved in criminal or dangerous activities when a ‘deviant’ group is being studied having to act out forms of behaviour which observer finds personally unethical or distasteful having to use deceit researcher may form connections / friendships with members of the group – emotionally stressful Time consuming

What is Overt Observation? • l the researcher being open about the reason for her presence in the field of study since the researcher is given permission by the group to conduct her research the use of a 'sponsor', who is an individual likely to occupy a high status within the group, therefore lessening any potential hostility towards the researcher.

Advantages of Overt Observation l l the avoidance of problems of ethics in that the group are aware of the researcher's role the group is being observed in its 'natural setting' data may also be openly recorded problems of 'going native' are avoided

Disadvantages of Overt Observation l l Observer effect, where the behaviour of those under study may alter due to the presence of the researcher. Time consuming

Examples l l Observation 1 needle sharing / HIV study in the USA Participant Observation – An introduction