the researcher simply observes the group/event without taking part in it
the researcher actually takes part in the event/everyday life of the group while observing it
Question 3
Question
What is participant observation?
Answer
the researcher makes their true identity and purpose known to those being studied ~ the sociologist is open about what they are doing
the researcher actually takes part in the event/everyday life of the group while observing it
Question 4
Question
What is overt observation?
Answer
the researcher actually takes part in the event/everyday life of the group while observing it
the researcher makes their true identity and purpose known to those being studied ~ the sociologist is open about what they are doing
Question 5
Question
What is covert observation?
Answer
The study is carried out undercover, the researcher's identity and purpose are kept secret from the group being studied. The researcher takes on a false identity and role ~ usually posing as a genuine member of the group
staring at people in the street
Question 6
Question
Getting in is when the researcher has to gain entry into the group, for example joining a football crowd is likely to be easier than joining a criminal gang.
where the researcher ceases to balance the roles of participant and observer and, instead, simply participates like any other group member.
Question 9
Question
What is getting out?
Answer
removing yourself from the group
when you swim to the ladder of a pool, climb it and you are no longer in water
Question 10
Question
What are the advantages of overt observation?
Answer
it avoids the ethical problem of obtaining information by deceit and when studying deviant groups that of being expected to join in their activities, i.e. smoking weed with them
it stops you from getting chilly because you are indoors
it allows the observer to ask the kind of naïve but important questions that only an outsider could ask
looking through a neighbour's window to see what they are having for tea
the observer can take notes openly
it allows the researcher to use interview methods to check insights derived from observations
Question 11
Question
What are the disadvantages of overt observation?
Answer
a group may refuse the researcher permission to observer them
you can't get a good view of yo gurl
it risks creating the Hawthorne Effect
Question 12
Question
What is the Hawthorne Effect?
Answer
when the subjects of a research study don't know they are being studied and therefore don't behave differently
where the subjects of a research study know they are being studied and begin to behave differently as a result, thereby undermining the study's validity.
Question 13
Question
What are the advantages of covert observation?
Answer
it reduces the risk of altering people's behaviour
you can wear a nice costume
it won't cause ethical issues
Question 14
Question
What are the disadvantages of covert observation?
Answer
it requires the researcher to keep up an act and may call for detailed knowledge of the group's way of life even before joining it
there is always a risk of one's cover being blown
it may cause the Hawthorne Effect
it is immoral to deceive people
covert observers may have to lie about their reason for leaving the group
they may have to participate in immoral or illegal activities as part of their cover role
Question 15
Question
An advantage of participant observation is it is the best way to truly understand what something is like
Answer
True
False
Question 16
Question
An advantage of participant observation is that it isn't very time consuming
Answer
True
False
Question 17
Question
A disadvantage of participant observation is that it can be personally stressful and demanding ~ especially when undercover
Answer
True
False
Question 18
Question
Participant observation can be difficult to remain objective and the sociologist may end up presenting a bias view of the group
Answer
True
False
Question 19
Question
This was an overt observation in which the gang members knew what Patrick was doing