Observation and Ethnography

Start with types of observation

Begin with the flashcards on participant observation. They introduce the distinction between participant and non-participant observation and offer short prompts to help you practice the terms. The slides on participant observation provide another starting point, comparing what people say they do with what they actually do.

Next, use the quiz on types of participant observation to check your understanding. Its questions cover participant and non-participant observation, as well as overt and covert observation. Return to the flashcards or slides when a distinction needs more attention.

Use mind maps to connect ideas

The page lists several mind maps called Participant Observation. One distinguishes between covert observation, where the sociologist's identity and purpose are hidden, and overt observation, where they are known. Another sets out participant and non-participant observation. Compare these maps with the quiz questions to see how the terms fit together.

The map Advantages and disadvantages of observations includes points such as peer pressure and whether participants could be lying. Another map focuses on disadvantages of participant observation, including practical and interpretation problems. Use these alongside the quiz on the pros and cons of participant observation to practice explaining both sides.

Explore the rest of the page

Other listed resources include a mind map on conducting a participant observation study, an essay plan on participant observation and a mind map called Ethnography. The page also has flashcards on the advantages and disadvantages of participant observation. These offer different formats for reviewing the material after you have worked through the key distinctions.

Connect the topic to the unit

Observation and Ethnography is a section of the Research Methods unit in Sociology. The resources here let you focus on observation as a research method while moving through the unit. Try comparing a mind map with a quiz as you study.