Observations

• What is the purpose of using observations in sociology?

  To witness social behaviors firsthand
• How do observations provide insight into social behaviors?

  They uncover behaviors not seen in other methods
• What is an observation schedule?

  A set list of observation times
• What is a characteristic of covert participant observations?

  Researchers take opportunities to observe behaviors
• Which sociologists prefer observations?

  Interpretivist sociologists
• How do positivists typically use observations?

  In a more structured and non-participant manner
• What are the two main types of observations?

  Participant and non-participant observations
• What is the advantage of participant observations?

  Higher validity through close interaction
• What is the main characteristic of non-participant observations?

  Researchers remain detached from the group
• What are overt observations?

  Participants are aware of the researcher’s presence
• What are covert observations?

  Participants are unaware they are being observed
• Why are covert observations useful?

  They access hard-to-reach groups
• What is a key advantage of observations over other methods?

  Witnessing behavior firsthand in natural settings
• How do covert observations increase validity?

  Participants act more naturally when unaware
• What is a limitation of using observations for research?

  Gaining access to groups can be difficult
• What is a practical limitation of recording information during observations?

  It may put the researcher at risk
• What is a potential issue with maintaining cover during covert observations?

  Discovery could endanger the research and researcher
• What are some ethical issues with observations?

  Deception and lack of informed consent
• What is the risk of harm in covert observations?

  Researchers may face threats if discovered
• What is the Hawthorne effect?

  People act differently when observed
• Why can observations be difficult to replicate?

  Human behavior varies significantly
• What can lead to a loss of objectivity in observations?

  Forming attachments to the groups studied
• Why might overt observations have less validity?

  People may alter behavior when aware
• What is a limitation of small-scale observations?

  They may not represent wider society
• What do ethnographers aim to achieve with their research?

  To tell the story of unheard voices
• Who conducted non-participant observations into teachers' attitudes?

  Keddie
• What was Winlow's research focus?

  The nighttime economy and crime links
• What did Venkatash study in Chicago?

  Drug dealing gangs' operations
• What are the advantages of using observations in research?

  • Witness behavior firsthand
  • Observe interactions for deeper insights
  • Research in natural environments
  • Access hard-to-reach groups
• What are the practical, ethical, and theoretical issues with observations?

  Practical Issues:

  • Gaining access to groups
  • Recording information safely
  • Maintaining cover

  
  

  Ethical Issues:

  • Deception and informed consent
  • Protection from harm

  
  

  Theoretical Issues:

  • Reliability and replicability
  • Objectivity and validity concerns
• What are the differences between participant and non-participant observations?

  Participant Observations:

  • Researcher engages with the group
  • Higher validity

  
  

  Non-Participant Observations:

  • Researcher remains detached
  • More objective
• What are the differences between overt and covert observations?

  Overt Observations:

  • Participants are aware of the researcher
  • Risk of altered behavior

  
  

  Covert Observations:

  • Participants are unaware of being observed
  • More natural behavior
• What are the implications of the Hawthorne effect in research?

  • Alters participant behavior
  • Reduces validity of findings
• What are the key examples of observational research in sociology?

  • Keddie's non-participant observations of teachers
  • Winlow's undercover work in the nighttime economy
  • Venkatash's study of Chicago drug gangs