OBSERVATION

Question 1

What is non-participant observation?

Answer 1

Involves the researcher sitting and observing an activity.

Question 2

What is a strength of non-participant observation?

Answer 2

Because the researcher is detached and therefore objective, they are less likely to take sides and be biased.

Question 3

What is a weakness of non-participant observation?

Answer 3

Observer is likely to be observing artificial behaviour caused by their actual presence.

Question 4

What is participant observation?

Answer 4

The sociologist immerses themselves into the lifestyle of the group they wish to study.

Question 5

What are the two types of participant observation?

Answer 5

1) Overt = some or all of the group know that the researcher is a sociologist.
2) Covert = researcher conceals the fact they’re going research.

Question 6

What is overt participant observation dependent on?

Answer 6

A gate-keeper.

Question 7

What reasons do interpretivists give for preferring participant observation?

Answer 7

The researcher sees things through they eyes and actions of the people in the group.
Observation can be supplemented by asking informal questions.

Question 8

How can participant observation be seen as weak?

Answer 8

Some observers become too attached to the group they are observing and their observations become biased and covert can sometimes pose great danger to the sociologist.

Question 9

What are the two types of observation?

Answer 9

1. Participant

2. Non-Participant