observations

• What is a common method used in sociology to gather information?

  Asking questions
• How can a researcher learn about a social group's way of life besides asking questions?

  By watching and listening to the group
• What is participant observation in sociology?

  It is when a researcher joins a group and participates in its activities
• What can participant observation help a researcher understand about a group?

  It helps understand the norms and values of the group
• What type of research method is participant observation classified as?

  Primary research method
• What do shared rules and expectations in society help maintain?

  Social order
• What is a value in the context of sociology?

  A belief about how something should be
• Who studied an Italian gang in Boston?

  William Foote Whyte
• What was the focus of Whyte's study on the Italian gang?

  To investigate what it was like to be part of a juvenile gang
• What are the two types of participant observation?

  • Overt: The group is aware of the researcher.
  • Covert: The group is unaware of the researcher's presence.
• What does overt observation mean?

  The group knows the researcher is observing them
• How can one remember the concept of overt observation?

  Overt begins with an 'O' for 'Open' about their presence
• What does covert observation entail?

  The researcher joins the group without informing them of the research
• Why is covert observation often used in sociology?

  It allows study of criminal or illegal activity
• How can one remember the concept of covert observation?

  Covert begins with a 'C' for 'Closed' about their presence
• What is participant observation?

  The researcher acts like a member of the group being studied
• What might a researcher do in participant observation with a gang?

  Dress like them and take part in their activities
• What is non-participant observation?

  The researcher is separate from the group being studied
• What is an example of non-participant observation?

  Sitting at the back of a classroom and noting observations
• What are the four scenarios of observation types provided?

  1. Overt Participant: Researching Goth culture, participants know.
  2. Covert Non-Participant: Observing café culture from a distance.
  3. Covert Participant: Researching Hoodie culture without participants knowing.
  4. Overt Non-Participant: Observing teacher-pupil relationships without participation.
• What is the difference between overt and covert observation?

  Overt means the group is aware, while covert means they are not
• What is the difference between participant and non-participant observation?

  Participant means the researcher acts as a member, non-participant means they are separate
• In what scenario might a sociologist use covert participant observation?

  When studying criminal activity to avoid behavior change
• How might a sociologist research teacher behavior in a staff room?

  By using covert participant observation as a supply teacher
• What does validity refer to in research methods?

  The capacity for a research method to measure what it set out to measure
• What are the key ethical considerations in covert participant observation?

  • Informed consent issues
  • Potential for deception
  • Impact on participant behavior