Observational techniques

• Participant Observation


  Researcher takes part in the study
• Participant Observation


  • First hand account of environment
  • Observation made by someone who is participating in the study and does not interact with people
• Non-participant Observation


  Researcher remains separate from research they're conducting
• Non-participant Observation


  • More objectivity
  • Observer observes from a distance
• Participant Observation


  Experiencing the situation with the participants gives researchers greater insight
• Participant Observation


  Gives participants' observations greater validity
• Participant Observation


  Participants' observations may result in researchers identifying too strongly with participants, leading to lack of objectivity (going native)