Participant observation

• What is non-participant observation?

  The researcher observes without participating
• What is participant observation?

  The researcher participates while observing
• What is overt observation?

  The researcher reveals their identity and intentions
• What is covert observation?

  The researcher hides their identity and purpose
• What is a danger of staying in the group during participant observation?

  Becoming over-involved or 'going native'
• How can over-identifying with the group affect the researcher?

  It can lead to bias in their observations
• What are the advantages of participant observation?

  • Validity: Rich qualitative data from real-life actions
  • Insight: Personal experience enhances understanding
  • Flexibility: Open-minded approach to new findings
  • Practical advantages: Builds rapport with suspicious groups
• What are the disadvantages of participant observation?

  • Time-consuming and requires extensive training
  • Can be personally stressful and demanding
  • Personal characteristics may limit group access
  • Groups may resist being studied this way
  • May involve deceit or illegal activities
  • Small group size limits generalizability
  • Relies on researcher skills, affecting reliability
  • Lacks objectivity and is often subjective