7.2.3 Participant and Non-Participant Observation

• What is Non-Participant Observation?

  Observation without researcher involvement
• What are the safety and ethical concerns of participant observation?

  Risks to well-being and privacy of others.
• How does being a participant affect objectivity in observations?

  It can cloud judgment and analysis.
• What is the role of the researcher in participant observation?

  Active participant in the group
• Why is non-participant observation less insightful?

  It lacks involvement in the observed context
• What type of data is collected through non-participant observation?

  Structured data through observation checklists
• How might a researcher study a tech startup using non-participant observation?

  • Observe meetings and interactions
  • Remain in an external setting
• What advantage does participant observation have over non-participant observation?

  It offers a deeper grasp of experiences
• What type of data is collected through participant observation?

  Rich, qualitative data through direct experience
• How does interaction with participants differ between participant and non-participant observation?

  High interaction in participant, minimal in non-participant
• How does participant observation enhance understanding of a group's culture?

  • Allows firsthand experience of dynamics
  • Provides insights into real workings
  • Captures nuances missed from outside
• Why is participant observation considered to provide deeper insights?

  Because you're part of the group
• How does contextual understanding differ between participant and non-participant observation?

  Deep insights from firsthand experience vs. broader view
• How might a researcher study a tech startup using participant observation?

  • Join the team
  • Experience their work culture firsthand
• What are the key features of Participant Observation?

  • Active participation in the group
  • Direct observation of behaviors
  • Interaction with participants
• What is the role of the researcher in non-participant observation?

  Observer from a distance
• How do researchers engage in Participant Observation?

  By actively participating in the group studied
• How do researchers conduct Non-Participant Observation?

  By watching and recording behaviors separately
• What is the significance of the researcher becoming a member of the group in Participant Observation?

  It allows for direct observation and interaction
• How does participant observation differ from simply observing a group from the outside?

  It involves active participation in the group
• What distinguishes Non-Participant Observation from other observational methods?

  Researchers do not interact with the group
• What is a disadvantage of participant observation related to bias?

  It can make observations less objective.
• How does the inability to ask questions affect non-participant observation?

  It limits understanding of group dynamics
• Why is it harder to interpret actions in non-participant observation?

  Due to lack of direct engagement with subjects
• What is a key advantage of non-participant observation?

  Objectivity
• What type of data does participant observation provide?

  Rich, qualitative data
• How does non-participant observation differ from participant observation?

  Non-participant lacks direct engagement with subjects
• Why is non-participant observation considered efficient?

  It allows observation without group integration
• What is Participant Observation?

  A method of data collection in psychology
• In what scenario might a psychologist use Non-Participant Observation?

  Observing children playing from a distance
• Why is participant observation considered time-consuming?

  It requires time to integrate into a group.
• How does non-participant observation reduce ethical risks?

  It minimizes interactions that could breach privacy
• How does non-participant observation enhance objectivity?

  It reduces bias by keeping observers separate
• What subtle signs might be missed in non-participant observation?

  Non-verbal cues from observed individuals
• What are the main advantages of non-participant observation?

  • Objectivity: Less biased observations
  • Efficiency: Saves time in data collection
  • Reduced Ethical Risk: Minimizes privacy issues
• How might non-participant observation fail in a classroom setting?

  By missing personal issues affecting students
• In what scenario might a researcher use Participant Observation?

  Studying youth culture in a skateboarding club
• What is the overall value of non-participant observation?

  It helps understand behaviors without direct involvement
• What is a limitation of non-participant observation regarding clarification?

  You can't ask questions for deeper understanding
• What is a consequence of missing cues in non-participant observation?

  Inability to notice a student needing help