observations

Question 1

what does observations allow ?

Answer 1

• Observation allows researchers to see real behaviour in natural settings, which may produce more valid data

Question 2

what types of observations are there?

Answer 2

• non participant, where Researcher observes without getting involved
• participant, Researcher joins in the life of the group while observing
• overt, Researcher’s identity and purpose are known
• covert, Researcher’s identity and purpose are hidden

Question 3

what is structured and unstructured observations ?

Answer 3

• structured, usually non participant, uses a pre set schedule to record behavior systematically
• unstructured, often participant, as open ended and you just record behavior as they unfold

Question 4

what are some challenges when doing participant observations ?

Answer 4

• Getting in, as there is a reliance on personal skills
• Some roles may involve taking sides or restrict access to certain interactions.
• Too detached →May miss deeper understanding of group life
• Over time, researcher may become desensitized to unusual behaviours.

Question 5

what are some advantages of participant observations?

Answer 5

• If needed, the researcher can leave abruptly
• Overt observers may exit more gracefully, especially if relationships were openly maintained.
• Leaving behind a group you’ve bonded with can be emotionally challenging.
• Researchers may withhold information to protect participants.

Question 6

Advantages of Overt observation

Answer 6

• No expectation to take part in illegal/deviant acts
• Open note-taking is possible
• Researcher can ask naïve but valuable questions

Question 7

Disadvantages of Overt Observations

Answer 7

• Refuse access entirely
• Participants alter behaviour because they know they are being watched

Question 8

advantages of covert observation

Answer 8

• Avoids the Hawthorne Effect: People don’t know they’re being observed, so their behaviour stays natural.
• Often the only way to study hidden or deviant behaviours.

Question 9

disadvantages of covert observation

Answer 9

• Maintaining the Cover
  Requires acting skills and deep prior knowledge.
  Even small mistakes can blow the cover. Risk of danger, especially with criminal groups.
• Can’t take notes openly → must rely on memory or write secretly
• Can’t ask obvious or clarifying questions
• Immoral to pretend to be someone you’re not or gain people’s trust under false pretences.
• May have to lie or abandon the group without explanation. Seen as unethical.
• May be pressured to join in with illegal acts to maintain cover

Question 10

advantages of participant observations

Answer 10

• Rich, qualitative data: Direct observation captures natural behaviour and everyday interactions.
• There is verstehen
• Researcher experiences life as a member, leading to deeper insight into their meanings, beliefs, values, and problems.
• Helps build trust and rapport—groups are more likely to open up over time.

Question 11

disadvantages of participant observations

Answer 11

• Needs training to identify significant sociological insights.
• Stressful: Particularly in covert studies, can be emotionally and physically demanding.
• Limited access: Some groups (due to gender, age, ethnicity) may be hard or impossible to study.
• Groups may resist: Powerful groups can block access
• Deception: Covert research often involves lying to or manipulating participants.
• Illegal/immoral activity: Researcher may have to participate in or witness criminal behaviour.
• Leaving the group: May involve dishonesty or abrupt abandonment, raising moral concerns.
• Hard to replicate: Depends heavily on personal skills and relationships of the researcher.
• Risk of “going native”: Becoming too emotionally involved, losing critical distance.
• Hawthorne Effect may occur: people may change their behaviour because they know they’re being observed.