observation

Question 1

what are the the two types of observation?

Answer 1

non participant observations

participant observation

Question 2

what is overt observation?

Answer 2

researcher joins the activities group but some or all if the group know that the researcher is there

Question 3

what is covert observation?

Answer 3

the researcher conceals the fact they are doing research

Question 4

what are the strengths of participant observation?

Answer 4

• interpretist sociologist like them because - life is seen from the perspective of the group so there is highly valid data
• the truth is more likely to be recorded
• relationships may develop which means more sensitive topics can be covered
• can lead to new insights
• longitudinal so gets an overview of what happens over time

Question 5

what are the weaknesses of participant observation?

Answer 5

• hard to gain entry to a group and even if this is achieved its hard to then be accepted
• observer or researcher effects may result in the group acting less naturally
• investigator bias if a group gets too attached and ‘goes native’ meaning he looses objectivity
• ethics- may be forced to take part in a crime,involves lying to people
• expensive to start and take time