Chapter Reading Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is Participant Observation?
A survey method where researchers learn about people’s actions and statements by observing them directly, often by participating in their activities.
Differentiate between Non-participant and Participant Observation.
Non-participant observation: Researcher observes without taking part in the group’s activities.
Participant observation: Researcher actively takes part in the group’s activities while observing.
Differentiate between Overt and Covert Observation.
Overt observation: Researcher’s true identity and purpose are known to those being studied.
Covert observation: Researcher’s true identity and purpose are kept secret; may involve taking on a false identity.
What does “going native” mean in participant observation?
The risk of researchers becoming over-involved or identifying too closely with the group they are studying, leading to loss of objectivity and bias.
Name two key issues when conducting a participant observation study.
1-Gaining entry to and getting out of the group being studied.
2-Whether to use overt or covert observation.
Give an example of a researcher who used covert observation.
Laud Humphreys (1970) in his “Tearoom Trade” study, observing homosexual encounters in public restrooms, keeping his identity hidden from participants.
What is the “Hawthorne Effect”?
When participants modify their behavior in response to being observed. This undermines the validity of findings.
What are two practical issues with covert observation?
1-Difficulty in asking questions or taking notes without arousing suspicion.
2-The researcher cannot openly refuse to participate in illegal or immoral activities without blowing their cover.
What is “Verstehen” in the context of research?
A German term meaning empathetic understanding; the ability of researchers to put themselves in the place of those they are studying to understand their actions from their perspective.
What is a key ethical criticism of covert observation?
It is seen as immoral to deceive people and obtain information without their informed consent.
What is the concept of “impression management” in research?
When individuals or groups attempt to control the impressions others form of them. In research, this means participants might act differently when aware they are being observed.
What is “gatekeeping” in research?
The process where individuals or groups control access to a particular setting or community for researchers.
What is “sampling” in research?
The process of selecting a smaller group (sample) from a larger population to study, with the aim of generalizing the findings to the wider population.
What is the difference between a representative sample and a non-representative sample?
•Representative sample: A sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the larger population.
•Non-representative sample: A sample that does not accurately reflect the characteristics of the larger population.
What is “snowball sampling”?
A non-random sampling technique where initial contacts refer the researcher to other potential participants, similar to a snowball growing as it rolls.
What is the ethical principle of “informed consent”?
Research participants must be fully informed about the nature of the research, its potential risks and benefits, and freely agree to participate before the study begins.
What is “confidentiality” in research?
Protecting the identity and personal information of research participants, ensuring that their responses cannot be linked back to them.
What is “longitudinal research”?
Research that follows the same group of individuals over an extended period, allowing researchers to study changes and developments over time.
What is the main strength of participant observation?
It provides rich, in-depth qualitative data and allows researchers to gain a deeper understanding of social groups and their behaviors in their natural setting.
What is a key limitation of participant observation?
It can be time-consuming, difficult to generalize findings to larger populations due to small sample sizes, and raises ethical concerns, especially with covert methods.
