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State and explain the 4 types of observations
Participant- When the researcher takes part in the group's everyday life and joins them whilst observing.
Non-Participant- When the researcher observes the participants without taking part.
Covert- The researcher's true identity and purpose is unknown to the participants.
Overt- The researcher's identity and purpose is known to the participants.
What are three disadvantages of covert observation?
It is ethically wrong as the participants are unaware they are being observed.
Sociologists can't take notes in front of the participants so they have to rely on memory to make adequate notes and often their memory doesn't allow them to make adequate notes leading to insufficient conclusions being made.
What are three advantages of covert observation?
Reduces the risk of the Hawthorne Effect- People aren’t aware they are being observed so can’t act up and change their attitudes depending on it.
State and briefly explain the three advantages of non-participant observation
Increase in validity of results- Researcher doesn’t participate so is less likely to influence the participants’ behaviour as a result of detachment. They will act more naturally leading to more natural and accurate results being obtained. This will increase the validity of the results. (Theoretical)
Ethical Advantages- Participants are aware they are being observed most of the time so ethical issues are avoided. Also, it is more ethical in comparison to something like participant observation as there is no risk of researcher engaging in harmful activities.
What are three disadvantages of non-participant observations?
Risk of Hawthorne Effect- Participants are aware they are being observed so may act differently to how they usually would. (theoretical)
Time-consuming- A lot of observation time is needed in order to make sufficient conclusions. Negative for the sociologist as it will cause inconvenience. (practical)
Researcher’s Bias- Researcher may choose not to record certain events due to their own bias and preconception. (theoretical)
