Covert Unstructured Participant

• What is a theoretical advantage of covert unstructured observation?

  It eliminates the Hawthorne effect.
• Why does covert unstructured observation lead to more natural behavior from participants?

  Participants are unaware they are being studied.
• What is a practical advantage of covert unstructured observation?

  It may be the only method for studying certain groups.
• In what situation might covert unstructured observation be the only viable research method?

  When studying anti-school subcultures.
• Why might questioning people be ineffective in certain research contexts?

  Participants may be suspicious of researchers.
• What is the Hawthorne effect?

  It is when individuals change their behavior because they know they are being observed.
• What is a disadvantage of covert unstructured observation regarding note-taking?

  The researcher cannot usually take notes openly.
• How might relying on memory affect the validity of findings in covert unstructured observation?

  Some points may be forgotten or misinterpreted.
• What skill is required for a researcher conducting covert unstructured observation?

  They must be skilled at maintaining their cover.
• What could happen if a researcher asks naive questions during covert observation?

  It may arouse suspicion among participants.
• What risk does a researcher face when studying criminal groups covertly?

  They may be harmed if discovered.
• Why is it impractical to study certain groups using covert unstructured observation?

  There are few cover roles available for researchers.
• What ethical issue arises from the lack of informed consent in covert observation?

  It leads to deception and exploitation.
• Why is covert observation in schools considered unethical?

  It involves vulnerable populations without consent.
• What should researchers do when possible regarding informed consent?

  Seek out participants and fully debrief them.
• What is a potential danger when studying criminal groups covertly?

  The researcher may have to condone illegal activities.
• What happened to Venkatesh during his covert research on gangs?

  He became a gang leader for a day.
• What happened to Ken Pryce during his research on organized crime?

  He was murdered.
• Why do covert observers often have to lie about their reasons for leaving a group?

  To protect themselves from potential harm.
• What is a consequence of not being able to debrief groups after covert observation?

  It could create undue anxiety in the groups left behind.
• What is one of the practical disadvantages of covert unstructured observation?

  Researchers cannot take open notes.
• What is a key ethical concern when conducting covert observation in schools?

  It may exploit vulnerable children.