Chapter 7 - Field Research, Participant Observation, and Case Studies Flashcards
(40 cards)
According to lecture, what is the most natural form of data collection employed by social scientists?
The direct observation of social phenomena in natural settings
When did academic field research begin?
In the late 19th century with anthropology
Where did sociological field research begin?
In the US at the University of Chicago
What three principles emerged from sociological field research?
- study people in their natural setting
- study people by directly interacting with them
- gain an understanding of the social world and make theoretical statements based on the members’ perspectives
What is participant observation?
Researchers study a group in its natural setting by participating in the activities of the group
What is Weber’s verstehen approach?
researchers understand a group by immersing themselves in that group
What is Glaser’s and Strauss’s grounded theory approach?
Developing a theory during data gathering rather than artificially predetermining which hypotheses will be looked at
According to lecture, what three things are included in field research?
- Direct observation
- Participant observation
- Case Studies
What are field notes?
the keeping of a detailed field and extensive diary during field
What is word crunching?
The use of computers in qualitative analysis
What are mnemonics?
Simple memorizing devices that are particularly useful in field studies
What is visual criminology?
The use of photographs in field studies
According to lecture, what activity is field research a part of?
theory-generating
According to lecture, what types of social phenomena are addressed by field research?
-acts
-activities
-meanings
-participation
-relationship
-settings
What state did Lehman do his 2-day expo at?
Michigan
In what state was the dispensary where Lehman did his field research?
California
In the textbook, how did Hamm present himself when interviewing skinheads?
He presented himself as a sociologist operating independently of law enforcement
Which country has the largest per capita rate in the world in terms of adult incarceration?
USA
What tips does Trulson, et al. provide for breaking into prison?
- get a contact
- establish yourself
- showing up when it’s convenient for them (the little things)
- Make sense of agency data by keeping in contact.
- Deliver competent, readable reports on time.
- Request to brief the agency and give a formal presentation of your findings.
- Write a personal thank-you note to everyone involved.
- Deal with adversity by planning ahead.
- Inform the agency of data use, including providing copies of the publication.
- Maintain trust by staying in for the long haul and keep in contact.
What do critics of quantitative research suggest about the relationship between attitude and behavior?
Little relationship exists between them; more sensitizing strategies involving field studies contain greater accuracy
What did LaPiere discover about attitude vs behavior?
The disparity between what people say (attitudes) and what people do (deeds) illustrates the hazards of attitudinal measurement of behavioral items.
According to lecture, how may people modify their behavior if they find out you’re studying them?
-expelling you from the group/setting
-changing their speech/behavior toward social norms
-changing the overall social process itself
What is disguised observation?
Informed consent of subjects is not sought and researchers pretend to be part of the study group
What are the types of participant observation?
-complete participation
-participant as observer
-observer as participant
-complete observation
