Participant observation to investigate pupil exclusions

• What is the frequency of fixed period exclusions from school?

  About 1 pupil in 20 is excluded for a fixed period.
• What are the common reasons for permanent exclusions from school?

  Permanent exclusions usually occur due to transferring or other factors.
• Who is more likely to be excluded from school?

  Boys, pupils with special educational needs, poorer pupils, and Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller pupils are much more likely to be excluded.
• What is one method used to study pupil exclusions?

  Participant observation is one way of studying pupil exclusions.
• What is a limitation of participant observation in studying pupil exclusions?

  Participant observers usually can only study relatively small groups.
• What does the success of participant observation depend on?

  Success greatly depends on the researcher's ability to establish a good relationship with those being studied.
• What are some characteristics of potential research subjects in pupil exclusions?

  • Individual pupils
  • Peer groups
  • Teachers
  • Teacher professionalism
  • Peer influence
  • Ethnic and gender differences
• What are some research contexts and settings for studying pupil exclusions?

  • Classrooms
  • Staffrooms
  • School premises
  • The street
  • Pupil referral units
• What are some sensitivity issues when researching pupil exclusions?

  Issues include policy implications, school market position, and potential stigmatisation.
• What is the significance of the Hawthorne effect in participant observation?

  The Hawthorne effect refers to subjects changing their behavior when they know they are being studied.
• What are the strengths of participant observation according to interpretivist sociologists?


  It provides rich insights as the researcher experiences what the subjects experience.
• What do positivists argue about participant observation?

  Positivists argue that objectivity is often questioned in participant observation.
• What is a limitation of participant observation regarding sample size?

  Participant observers usually study fairly small groups, which affects representativeness.
• Who are considered school gatekeepers?

  School gatekeepers include headteachers, teachers, and parents.
• What are some ethical issues in participant observation?

  • Informed consent
  • Confidentiality
  • Deception
  • Psychological harm
  • Vulnerability of participants
• How does participant observation compare to structured studies like Rosenthal and Jacobson's?

  Participant observation cannot be repeated like structured studies, which can be replicated.
• What is the role of triangulation in research on pupil exclusions?

  Triangulation helps to validate findings by using multiple methods or data sources.
• What is the impact of the absence of secondary data on interpretivist research?

  It affects their ability to analyze patterns related to pupil exclusions.
• What are the strengths and limitations of participant observation in educational research?

  Strengths:

  • Provides rich qualitative data
  • Insight into participants' experiences
  • Flexibility in research approach

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Small sample size
  • Lack of reliability and generalizability
  • Ethical concerns regarding deception and consent
• Why might participant observation be considered the best method for studying pupil exclusions?

  It allows researchers to gain valid data by integrating with students and understanding their experiences.
• What is the significance of Lacey's study in the context of participant observation?

  Lacey's study demonstrated how building rapport with students can lead to valuable insights.
• What is the main conclusion regarding the use of participant observation in researching pupil exclusions?

  Despite its limitations, the strengths of participant observation often overshadow them.
• What is the role of ethical considerations in participant observation research?

  Ethical considerations ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable groups involved in the study.
• How do the perspectives of interpretivists and positivists differ regarding data collection methods?

  Interpretivists favor qualitative methods for rich insights, while positivists prefer quantitative methods for objectivity.
• What is the impact of gatekeepers on research into pupil exclusions?

  Gatekeepers can restrict access to information about pupil exclusions, affecting the research's validity.
• What is the significance of the year 2006 in the context of ethical research?

  The year 2006 refers to the safety of vulnerable groups act, which emphasizes ethical considerations in research.
• What is the importance of understanding pupils' perspectives in research?

  Understanding pupils' perspectives can lead to more valid and insightful research findings.
• How does the lack of secondary data affect interpretivist research on pupil exclusions?


  The lack of secondary data necessitates more time spent in schools to gain insights into pupil exclusions.
• What is the relationship between participant observation and the Hawthorne effect?


  Participant observation can mitigate the Hawthorne effect by allowing researchers to integrate into the environment.
• What is the primary focus of the study of pupil exclusions?

  The primary focus is to understand the reasons and implications of pupils being excluded from school.
• Why is it important to consider the context of pupil exclusions in research?

  Considering the context helps to understand the various factors influencing pupil exclusions.
• What challenges do researchers face when studying pupil exclusions?

  Researchers face challenges such as gatekeepers, lack of reliable data, and ethical considerations.
• How can participant observation provide insights into pupil exclusions?

  It allows researchers to observe behaviors and interactions in natural settings, leading to deeper understanding.
• What is the role of empathy in participant observation?

  Empathy helps researchers connect with participants and understand their experiences better.
• What is the significance of qualitative data in studying pupil exclusions?

  Qualitative data provides rich, detailed insights into the experiences and perspectives of pupils.
• How does the presence of school gatekeepers affect research validity?

  Gatekeepers can limit access to information, potentially skewing the research findings.
• What is the impact of the school market and league table position on pupil exclusions?

  These factors can influence how schools manage pupil exclusions and their overall reputation.
• What is the relationship between pupil exclusions and achievement?


  Pupil exclusions can negatively impact achievement and behavior.
• Why is it important to evaluate the usefulness of participant observation?

  Evaluating its usefulness helps to understand its strengths and limitations in the context of pupil exclusions.
• How can researchers ensure ethical considerations are met in participant observation?

  Researchers can ensure ethical considerations by obtaining informed consent and ensuring participant safety.