Observations

Observations can either be participant or non-participant meaning the researcher is involved in one and not the other.

observations can give a direct insight into social behaviour, which is likely to produce the Hawthorne effect/ participants are aware they are being studied and change there behaviour

Observations can either be covert or overt, covert meaning the research group are aware the observation is taking place, overt means the research group isn’t aware they are being studied

Participant observations

The researcher joins in the activities of the group they are researching to gain first-hand insights into their behaviour- Qualitative method and is favoured by anti positivists as they prefer to study human behaviour in a natural setting

William Whyte- Street corner society

Advantages

High validity- Captures real life behaviours and interactions

In depth data- Provides insights beyond what people might say in interviews

Flexible- Study can be adapted based on emerging findings

Gives access to hidden groups- Useful for studying gangs and subcultures

Disadvantages

Time consuming- Studies can take months or years to complete

Observer bias- Researchers personal views may influence interpretations

Not valid- The Hawthorne effect may occur and the researcher is at risk of going native, meaning the study is ruined (Overt)

Ethical issues- Raises concerns about informed consent (Covert)

Practical issues- Issues with getting into a group, staying in a group and leaving a group

Non-Participant observations

The researcher observes a group without directly engaging with participants- Can be overt or covert as participants may know or not know there being observed. Can be qualitative or quantitative and is favoured by positivists as they prefer structured methods

Albert Bandura- Bobo doll experiment

Advantages

More objective- Researchers presence is less likely to influence participants

Ethical (If overt)- Participants know that they are being observed

Easier to record data- Researcher can focus on observations rather than participation

Useful for studying group behaviour

Disadvantages

Lack of depth- Researcher cannot ask questions

Possible misinterpretations- Actions may be misunderstood without participant input

Hawthorne effect (if overt)- People may change their behaviour when they know they are being watched

Limited access- Some groups may not allow outsiders to observe

Overt observations

The researcher makes the group aware they are being observed/ conducted in natural setting- preferred by positivists as it gives quantifiable data

Classroom observations/ Willis- Learning to labour

Advantages

Ethical- Participants give consent before the study

Reduced ethical concerns- Unlike covert methods there is no deception

Easier to record data as researchers can openly take notes

Allows for follow up questions- researchers can clarify behaviours with participants

Disadvantages

Hawthorne effect- Participants may change behaviour because they know they are being observed

Lacks validity- Hawthorne effect

Limited access to certain groups- Some groups wont allow researcher to observe

Observer bias- Researchers presence or expectations can influence interpretations

Covert observations

The researcher keeps their real identity and purpose secret from research subjects. Favoured by anti-positivists as it captures authentic behaviour

Pearson- Football Hooliganism

Advantages

High validity- Participants behave naturally, increasing the accuracy of findings

No Hawthorne effect- As they don’t no they are being studied they don’t alter their behaviour

Can gain access to groups that are hard to study or controversial

Disadvantages

Ethical issues- People cannot give consent and are deceived

Risk of discovery- If research is exposed it can lead to danger or legal issues

Limited note taking- Researcher must often rely on memory if they cannot take notes during the observation

Observer bias- Researchers involvement may influence their interpretation