Non-participant observation

KEY TERM

a form of non-participant observation in which the observer uses an observation schedule to direct what they are looking for & how to record it

structured/systematic observation

What are the 2 forms of non-participant observation?

structured/systematic observation

unstructured observation

What is an example of structured non-participant observation?

• Paul Piff’s (2012) California study testing hypothesis that wealthy UC were more selfish than LC

• based on driving behaviour

• observed 274 drivers at intersection (observers did not know what was being tested)

• 2nd study of 154 drivers at pedestrian crossing

• observations of age, gender, make + appearance of car supported hypothesis

Why do positivists prefer structured participant observation?

• results easier to quantify

• more reliable

Why do interpretivists prefer unstructured non-participant observation?

• no observation schedule imposing rules

• no definitions imposed on behaviour

• qualitative data

In cases where obtaining ______ is not practical, ethical guidelines are not necessarily broken

consent

What are the advantages of non-participant observation?

• no Hawthorne effect when people unaware they are observed

• observation schedules may make data quantifiable & method reliable

What are the disadvantages of non-participant observation?

• don’t see individuals in various contexts - can’t discover means directing behaviour

• researchers more likely to impose meanings + behaviours