observations

• A PO is when the research takes part in the groups activities while researching them.
• A non-PO is when the researcher observes the group without taking part
• A overt observation is is when the research makes their true identity known to those being studied
• A covert observation is when the research is under cover and conceals their identity to those being researched.
• Advantages of an overt observation is;

  • Avoid ethical issues of deception
  • Can take notes openly
  • Can use various methods to get data - triangulation
• Disadvantages of overt observations is;

  • Risk of Hawthorne effect
  • Group may refuse to take part
• Advantages of covert observations is;

  • Reduce the risk of altering peoples actual behaviour seen in Humphrey (1970)
• Disadvantages of covert observations is;

  • Can’t take notes openly and must rely on memory
  • Researcher must keep up an act
  • Immoral as deceiving people
  • No informed consent
• When conducting a PO the researcher needs access into the group, to do this they may need similar characteristics to the group to fit in. This was the case with James Patrick who had connections into the group while also looking like them.
• In a PO staying in the group is difficult and a danger to it or becoming over-involved is ‘going native’ were the researcher may become biased with the group and not notice certain behaviours as it is their norm.
• Advantages of PO;

  • High in validity as researching the accurate picture
  • Good insight
• Disadvantages to PO:

  • Time consuming
  • Deceiving
  • Lack of representativeness
  • Not reliable
  • Observer fatigue - researcher becomes mentally tired