Types of observation

Types of observation

1. There are many types of observation. Firstly, we can distinguish between non-participant observation - the researcher simply observes the group or event without taking part in it - and participant observation - the researcher takes part in an event or the everyday life of the group they’re observing.

   • Then we can distinguish between overt observation - the researcher makes their true identity and purpose known to the subjects - and covert observation - the study is carried out ‘undercover’, with the subjects being unaware of the researcher’s true identity and purpose.
     • However, research often doesn’t fit neatly into one single category. For example, Whyte’s study of ‘Street Corner Society’ was semi-overt; he revealed his true purpose to a key member of the group, but not to the others.

2. In sociology, most observation is unstructured participant observation.

   • However, positivist sociologists in particular do occasionally use structured observation, which is normally non-participant; the researcher will use a structured observational schedule to categories systematically what happens. The schedule is a predetermined list of the types of behaviour or situations the sociologist is interested in. Each time this behaviour occurs, the sociologist will record it on the schedule. The researcher then adds up the number of times each event occurs, which produces quantitative data, from which patterns and correlations can then be established.
     • Finally, observation may be used in conjunction with other methods. For example, when interviewing a subject, the researcher can observe their body language, etc.