Conducting a participant observation

What are the two main issues sociologists face in participant observation?

1. Getting in, staying in and getting out of the group.

2. Deciding whether to use overt or covert observation.

What factors help researchers gain entry to a group?

• Personal skills

• Useful connections

• Chance opportunities

What personal factors may act as barriers to acceptance?

• Age

• Gender

• Class

• Ethnicity

• Nationality

 How did William Whyte manage to observe effectively in his study?

He became secretary of the community club, allowing him to take notes as meeting minutes

What did Downes and Rock (2011) say about participant observers?

They must try to be both insider and outsider at the same time, which is extremely difficult.

 Why might researchers become less observant over time?

Group behaviour becomes familiar and less noticeable, reducing observation quality.

What problem did Whyte experience after finishing his research?

He struggled to readjust to academic life and communicate with colleagues

Advantages of overt observation

Ethical: It avoids deception and allows informed consent.

The researcher can ask questions openly and take notes freely.

They can combine observation with interviews.

Behaviour is more natural and valid because people do not know they are being observed.

Disadvantages of overt observations

1. Groups may refuse access or hide behaviour.

2. The Hawthorne Effect may occur.

3. They may be seen as unethical as it involves deception and lack of informed consent

What is the Hawthorne Effect?

People change their behaviour because they know they are being observed.