Lecture 3 - Participant Observation

Participant Observation

• Participant observation, also known as ethnography, is a research method.
• It can be either participant or non-participant and overt or covert.
• Gaining access to the research setting is critical.
• Open settings (e.g., communities, social groups) differ from closed settings (e.g., companies, organizations).
• Key informants are important but their influence on research direction must be monitored.

Types of Observation

• Participant observation is highly unstructured, involving the researcher being immersed in the researched setting.
• Structured observation is typically non-participant, taking place in controlled settings (e.g., labs), with the researcher external to the setting.

Researcher Roles

• Complete participant: researcher conceals role
• Observer as participant: researcher's role is known
• Participant as observer: observation role is secondary to the participant role
• Complete observer: researcher observes without participating.

Covert vs. Overt Observation

• Covert observation ethically problematic as informed consent cannot be obtained
• Overt observation: the research participants are aware of the researcher's presence.

Observation Skills

• General observational skills (perception, memory) are essential.
• Knowledge of the research field and topic is necessary
• Prior experience in research is helpful.
• Ability to handle difficult situations.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Respect for boundaries between the observer and observed is important.
• Getting along with others, following instructions, and controlling biases are crucial.
• Honesty, trustworthiness, and awareness of ethical standards are vital.

Data Collection

• Ethnography often employs continuous observation, recording events throughout the observation period.
• Time-point observation focuses on a specific moment in time.
• Time-interval observation focuses on what happens between two points in time.
• Event observation focuses on particular behaviours related to an event.
• Field notes are crucial and should be detailed, including initial analyses of observations.

Research Design

• A clear understanding of the research topic and participants is essential.
• Defining the topic and participants (who, what, and relevant aspects about them).
• Deciding on the researcher's role (participant observation vs. non-participant).
• Determining the time duration and place of research is vital
• The skills of the observer are also crucial factors to consider.

Ethical Considerations

• Ethical approval is required for research.
• Participant observation may require supervision from ethical oversight bodies.
• Informed consent is vital, especially concerning sensitive information.
• The impact on participant's lives should be considered.
• Researchers must truthfully report collected information without deception.
• The potential impact of the researcher's presence on the participants should be assessed.
• How key informants will be treated needs to be addressed.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Participant Observation

• Advantages include a firsthand experience, recording information as it unfolds, and noticing unusual aspects during observation.
• Suitable for research topics that would be uncomfortable to discuss directly with participants.
• Disadvantages include transparency challenges, potential for observers' presence to seem intrusive, limited attending and observing skills, possible issues with certain participants like children. The potential for subjectivity and the challenge of maintaining objectivity, including going "native", should be acknowledged.

Sources of Error in Participant Observation

• Lack of ability or observer inconsistency.
• Observer bias.
• Lack of knowledge on the part of the observer.
• Deception by the observer.
• Difficulties in recording and analyzing data.
• Observer distortion.

Summary

• Participant observation is a valuable qualitative method, potentially uncovering in-depth understandings of specific contexts.
• Ethical considerations and awareness of potential biases are crucial to ensure responsible research.
• Researchers should document findings (field notes) meticulously.

Readings

• Relevant scholarly readings are essential to grasp the intricacies of this research method in detail.

Explore the intricate methods of participant observation through this quiz. Understand the differences between participant and non-participant observation, and learn about researcher roles in various settings. Test your knowledge about the importance of context and key informants in ethnographic research.