Observation methods

• Overt participation observation


  The researcher openly joins a group, observing and recording behavior. This method can be challenging with criminal/deviant groups, making it difficult to maintain objectivity and take notes. The Hawthorne effect may alter the group's behavior due to awareness of observation. Despite challenges, this approach yields rich and detailed data.
• Overt non-participation observation


  The researcher openly watches people from the sidelines without engaging in their behaviour. Subjects are aware of the observation's purpose. This method generates quantitative data but can also produce qualitative data if necessary.
• Covert participation observation 


  The researcher is undercover, participating in group activities without the group's knowledge. It requires building rapport without raising suspicion, yielding rich qualitative data but posing potential dangers.
• Covert non-participation observation


  The researcher stays on the sidelines without engaging, keeping the group unaware of the observation. This method minimizes the observer effect, where individuals alter their behavior when aware of being watched.