participant observation

• What is a problem with using survey methods like interviews?

  People may lie about their real behavior.
• Why might people conceal information in interviews?

  To please the interviewer or save face.
• What are the two main types of observation methods?

  • Non-participant observation
  • Participant observation
• What is non-participant observation?

  The researcher observes without taking part.
• What is participant observation?

  The researcher takes part while observing.
• What are the two types of participant observation?

  • Overt observation
  • Covert observation
• What is overt observation?

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

  The researcher conceals their identity and purpose.
• What type of observation did William Whyte's study represent?

  Semi-overt observation.
• What is structured observation?

  Using a schedule to categorize behaviors systematically.
• What type of data does structured observation produce?

  Quantitative data from recorded behaviors.
• How can observation be used alongside other methods?

  By observing body language during interviews.
• What are the main issues sociologists face in participant observation?

  1. Getting in
  2. Staying in
  3. Getting out
• What does 'getting in' refer to in participant observation?

  Gaining entry to the group being studied.
• What factors can affect making contact with a group?

  Personal skills, connections, or chance.
• How did Ned Polsky gain entry to the poolroom hustlers?

  By being a good pool player.
• What is necessary for a researcher to gain acceptance in a group?

  Winning the trust of group members.
• What barriers did Sarah Thornton face in her research?

  Her age and nationality were obstacles.
• How did Elliot Liebow gain acceptance in his study?

  By being a White researcher accepted by Black men.
• What extreme measure did John Howard Griffin take for his research?

  He changed his skin color to pass as Black.
• What role should a researcher ideally adopt in participant observation?

  A role that does not disrupt normal patterns.
• What is a key problem for participant observers?

  Balancing involvement and detachment.
• What can happen if a researcher becomes over-involved?

  They may lose objectivity and bias results.
• What did Maurice Punch experience in his study of the Amsterdam police?

  He over-identified with the police group.
• What happens to a researcher’s observations over time?

  They may become less observant of unusual behaviors.
• What is a common issue when leaving a group after research?

  Re-entering normal life can be difficult.
• What can loyalty prevent a researcher from doing?

  Fully disclosing everything learned during research.
• What is a major advantage of overt observation?

  It avoids ethical problems of deceit.
• What is a disadvantage of overt observation?

  Groups may refuse permission to observe.
• What is the Hawthorne Effect?

  Behavior changes due to being observed.
• What is a practical advantage of covert observation?

  It reduces the risk of altering behavior.
• What is a challenge of covert observation?

  Keeping up an act can be difficult.
• What ethical issue arises from covert observation?

  Deceiving people about the research purpose.
• What is a potential consequence of participating in illegal activities during research?

  Researchers may have a moral duty to intervene.
• What are the advantages of participant observation?

  • Provides in-depth understanding of groups
  • Captures natural behavior in context
  • Allows for flexible data collection
• What is a conflict associated with covert observation in research?

  It conflicts with observing natural behaviour.
• What must researchers obtain from their subjects?

  Informed consent
• Why is it difficult to obtain informed consent in covert observation?

  Subjects are unaware of being observed.
• What ethical issue arises from covert observers leaving a group?

  They may have to lie about their reasons.
• What do critics argue about the ethics of covert observation?

  It is unethical to deceive participants.