Non-participant observation

Cards (3)

  • What is non-participant observation?
    The researcher is not a participant. The researcher records observations without taking part.
  • What is a strength of non-participant observation?
    The researcher is not involved in the study mentally or emotionally as a participant. This is a strength as they can obtain objective data from their own perspective.
  • What is a weakness of non-participant observation?
    There is a lack of proximity. This is a weakness as the researcher may miss or overlook behaviours of interest.