Participant Observation Advantages and Disadvantages
Introduction
All methods involve observation, but participant observation is characterized by the extent to which its advocates insist on observation and interpretation of a situation, informed by an understanding of the situation from the point of view of the participants rather than the observer. An attempt is made to avoid imposing categories from outside. Participant observation is the method of anthropology, although it is used in a wide range of sociological studies when the researcher has 'become part of a daily round, learning languages and meanings, rules of impersonal, relations... and in short, living the life of the people under study.' (Hughes, 1976).
Traditional participant observation is usually undertaken over an extended period of time, ranging from several months to many years, and even generations. An extended research time period means that the researcher is able to obtain more detailed and accurate information about the individuals, community, and population under study.
Types of Participant Observation
Non participant observation is an observational investigative method whereby the researcher or observer attends group events and records the observations without taking part in the group's activities. The group has knowledge that the observer is present, but he or she is an inactive attendant.
Covert observation is a research method in social science. With this method, the researcher goes undercover as one of the participants of the group he/she chooses as subject of the study. The researcher participates on the activities of the group while making observations on their behaviour or whatever factors are being studied.
Overt observation involve researcher being open about the reason for her presence in the field of study since the researcher is given permission by the group to conduct her research and the use of a 'sponsor', who is an individual likely to occupy a high status within the group, therefore lessening any potential hostility
All methods involve observation, but participant observation is characterized by the extent to which its advocates insist on observation and interpretation of a situation, informed by an understanding of the situation from the point of view of the participants rather than the observer. An attempt is made to avoid imposing categories from outside. Participant observation is the method of anthropology, although it is used in a wide range of sociological studies when the researcher has 'become part of a daily round, learning languages and meanings, rules of impersonal, relations... and in short, living the life of the people under study.' (Hughes, 1976).
Traditional participant observation is usually undertaken over an extended period of time, ranging from several months to many years, and even generations. An extended research time period means that the researcher is able to obtain more detailed and accurate information about the individuals, community, and population under study.
Types of Participant Observation
Non participant observation is an observational investigative method whereby the researcher or observer attends group events and records the observations without taking part in the group's activities. The group has knowledge that the observer is present, but he or she is an inactive attendant.
Covert observation is a research method in social science. With this method, the researcher goes undercover as one of the participants of the group he/she chooses as subject of the study. The researcher participates on the activities of the group while making observations on their behaviour or whatever factors are being studied.
Overt observation involve researcher being open about the reason for her presence in the field of study since the researcher is given permission by the group to conduct her research and the use of a 'sponsor', who is an individual likely to occupy a high status within the group, therefore lessening any potential hostility