observation

• What type of data is produced through observation?

  Primary data
• What does observation involve in research?


  Researchers watching individuals or groups in their natural setting and recording their findings
• What are the two types of consent in observation methods?

  Overt (with consent) and covert (without consent)
• Why do interpretivists favor observation methods?


  Because it takes place in a natural setting
• What type of data does observation produce?


  Qualitative and sometimes quantitative data
• What does covert observation mean?


  The group does not know they are being observed
• Why did Fielding use covert research when studying the National Front?


  He believed he would encounter hostility if they knew he was a sociologist
• What does overt observation mean?


  The researcher is open about being a researcher
• Who researched female sexuality among college students using overt observation?

  Beverley Skeggs
• What is "going native" in research?


  The idea that a researcher becomes too subjective or loses objectivity
• What is participant observation?


  Where the researcher joins in the activities of the research group
• What advantage does participant observation provide to researchers?


  It allows researchers to check out the dynamics of a group from close up
• How does participant observation help in researching deviant groups?


  It allows researchers to gain first-hand insight in natural real-life settings
• What is the significance of covert participant observation?


  People can't mislead the researcher
• Who conducted the "Tearoom Trade" study?

  Laud Humphreys
• What was the focus of Humphreys' research in the "Tearoom Trade" study?


  Gay subcultures and public sex in toilets
• What role did Humphreys initially take in his research?


  He acted as a lookout voyeur
• Why was Humphreys' research controversial?


  It involved deceiving those involved in the research
• What is non-participant observation?


  A researcher observes a group without participating
• What is an advantage of non-participant observation?


  It makes observing easier as the researcher is less likely to affect those being watched
• Who conducted research into interactions between students and teachers in U.S. schools?

  Ned Flanders
• What system did Flanders use to collect data on classroom interactions?


  Flanders’ system of interaction analysis categories (FIAC)
• What percentage of interactions in Flanders' study were based on teacher talk?


  68%
• What are the strengths of observation methods?

  High in validity, allows for understanding of meanings behind behavior
• What is a weakness of observation methods?


  Time-consuming and requires extensive writing
• What is an advantage of participant observation?


  The observer can ask questions and uncover detailed knowledge
• What is a disadvantage of participant observation?


  The researcher needs to be skilled in observing, participating, and recording
• What is a strength of covert observation?

  It can reduce the Hawthorne effect
• What is a weakness of covert observation?


  The researcher faces ethical problems if they witness harm or illegal acts
• What is a challenge in writing up findings from covert observation?


  It can be hard to write up without exposing identities
• What risk does a researcher face when interpreting data from covert observation?

  The researcher may impose their bias when interpreting the data