Participant Observation

Covert Participant Observation=when the sociologist's identity and purpose are hidden.
Overt Participant Observation=When the sociologist and their purpose is known by those being studied.
Qualitative
Interpretivist
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
1. 1. if using overt, can result in the Hawthorne Effect
2. 2. Subject matter may be more difficult to observe or to get hold of.
3. 3. Personal Skills and characterisitics, may make it more difficult to observe certain groups.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
1. 1. Covert studies means that the participants are unaware they are being studied and so have not given informed consent.
2. 2. Covert studies means that the participants are decieving people which can cause serious ethical problems, in order to gain their trust.
THEORETICAL ISSUES
1. 1. If using overt observation, it can result in the Hawthorne effect which reduces the validity.
2. 2. Not all participant observation is reliable as if the Hawthorne Effect happens then the answers will be different.
ADVANTAGES
1. Validity= by observing, the researcher can get the bigger picture
2. Insight=Subjective, verstehen, getting a bigger understanding as the researcher is put in the persons shoes.
3. Flexibility
DISADVANTAGES
1. Ethical Problems
2. Representativeness
3. Reliability
4. Bias

Resource summary

	Created by jennyisabelwilson almost 11 years ago