Non-Participant Observation

Non-Participant Observation

1. Structured

   • Practical Issues
     • Quicker and easier to obtain quantitative data, as the researcher may look for predetermined criteria
     • Cheaper and require less training for researcher
   • Reliability
     • Researchers will observe according to the same criteria for each different observation
   • Validity
     • Lack of validity as predetermined categories don't explain meanings behind actions

2. Unstructured

   • Practical Issues
     • The actual date and time of the observation needs to be organised
     • Time maybe needed to familiarise with surroundings, this could take months
     • Researcher's personal characteristics such as race could have an impact on those being observed
     • Covert recording can be difficult in crowded places, such as schools
   • Ethical Issues
     • Covert Observation means that consent may not be obtained
     • The researcher may overhear something potentially illegal or dangerous. They may be obliged to report it and the risk of ending the co-operation of the participants
     • Identity should be protected
   • Validity
     • Power difference may impact negatively on validity, especially between adult and pupil.
     • The Hawthorne Effect: The presence of researcher effects behaviour.
   • Time and large population, makes observation likely to be unreliable. Especially when researching the education system