Topic 5 - Observations

Question 1

Who likes observations

Answer 1

• Interpretivists

Question 2

Participant observation

Answer 2

• Researcher joing the group being observed

Question 3

Non-participant observation

Answer 3

• Researcher keeps distance from the group

Question 4

Covert observation

Answer 4

• The researcher conceals their identity and observes the group without the knowledge

Question 5

Overt observation

Answer 5

• Observer asks for the participants consent and tells the group about the research that is being conducted

Question 6

WHYTE

Answer 6

• Semi-overt observation
• Revealed aims to some members but not others

Question 7

Practical advantages of overt observations

Answer 7

• Some participants may be more likely to allow observers full access into their organisation if consent/permission is asked in the correct way

Question 8

Ethical advantages of overt observations

Answer 8

• Avoids ethical problems such as deception
• Observers physical safety is less at risk

Question 9

Theoretical advantages of overt observations

Answer 9

• High in validity

Question 10

Practical disadvantages of overt observations

Answer 10

• A group could refuse which means they are prevented from seeing a full picture
• PUNCH “when you were with us we only let you see what we wanted you to”
• Time-consuming
• Expensive

Question 11

Ethical disadvantages of overt observations

Answer 11

• Invasion of privacy = uncomfortable

Question 12

Theoretical disadvantages of overt observations

Answer 12

• Hawthorne effect
• May not always produce generalisable data
• Unreliable as often special circumstances

Question 13

Practical advantages of covert observations

Answer 13

• Cheap

Question 14

Ethical advantages of covert observations

Answer 14

• Anonymity and confidentiality
• Can cover sensitive data

Question 15

Theoretical disadvantages of covert observations

Answer 15

• High in validity = avoids Hawthorne effect

Question 16

Practical disadvantages of covert observations

Answer 16

• Limited access = safeguarding (education)

Question 17

Ethical disadvantages of covert observations

Answer 17

• Participants are unaware their behaviour is being watched and recorded

Question 18

Theoretical disadvantages of covert observations

Answer 18

• Low in reliability
• Note taking

Question 19

LAUD HUMPHREY’S TEA ROOM TRADE

Answer 19

• Studied gay mens’ encounters in public toilets and found the only way to get a full picture is to immese themself in the behaviour

Question 20

PATRICK

Answer 20

• Almostn found out when he bought his suit with cash instead of credit, and fastened his middle button of his jacket instead of the top one (different to the gang)

Question 21

DITTON

Answer 21

• Studied theft amongst bread deliverymen, and had to use the toilets to record his observations = eventually aroused suspicion

Question 22

Practical strengths of participant observations

Answer 22

• Flexibility
• Sometimes may be the only way to study deviant groups

Question 23

YABLONSKY

Answer 23

• Teenage gang is likely to see researchers as a threat

Question 24

Ethical advantages of participant observations

Answer 24

• Informed consent

Question 25

Theoretical advantages of participant observations

Answer 25

- Validity - Verstehen = best way to experience somethig is to experience it ourselves (German word for empathy)

Question 26

Practical disadvantage of practical observations

Answer 26

- Time consuming - Personal characteristics may restrict the groups the researcher can join

Question 27

Ethical disadvantages of participant observations

Answer 27

- Deception

Question 28

Theoretical disadvantages of participant observations

Answer 28

- Reliability - Representitativeness