daniel robertson
Anthropology and sociology are the perspectives most likely to use participant observation as a research method. This method involves immersing oneself in the culture or community being studied to gain a deep understanding of their practices, beliefs, and social interactions. Participant observation is particularly valuable for studying behavior and social norms within a specific context.
Laud Humphreys utilized participant observation and covert observation as research methods in his classic tearoom study. He observed and participated in public sex acts in public restrooms to study men who engaged in casual homosexual encounters.
In psychology, observation can take on two main forms: structured observation, where the observer follows a predetermined set of guidelines, and unstructured observation, where the observer can freely note behaviors without specific guidelines. Both forms are used to gather data on behavior and interactions in various settings for research or assessment purposes.
The first step of the scientific method in psychology is to form a research question based on observation or prior knowledge. This step helps to establish a clear direction for the research and sets the foundation for the study to be conducted.
Participant observation is the research method that involves researchers immersing themselves in the social setting to observe and participate in the activities of the group being studied. This method helps researchers gain a deeper understanding of the culture and behaviors of the group under study.
Marjaleena Repo-Davis has written: 'Theoretical preconceptions of the participant observation methodology' -- subject(s): Knowledge, Sociology of, Observation (Psychology), Participant observation, Research, Sociology, Sociology of Knowledge
Participant observation is a type of research strategy. It is a widely used methodology in many disciplines, particularly, cultural anthropology, but also sociology, communication studies, and social psychology... NMRM
participant observation
fieldwork
Experimentation
Participant observation
Non-participant, or direct, observation is where data are collected by observing behaviour without interacting with the participants. Participant observation is where data are collected by interacting with, and therefore experiencing, the phenomenon being studied.
Participant observation is a key method used in ethnography, but they are not the same. Ethnography is a broader research approach that involves the comprehensive study of a culture or social group, often through various methods, including participant observation. Participant observation specifically refers to the researcher immersing themselves in the community they are studying, actively engaging in daily activities while observing behaviors and interactions. Thus, while participant observation is a vital component of ethnographic research, ethnography encompasses a wider range of methodologies and theoretical frameworks.
The types of observation in social work research include direct observation, participant observation, structured observation, and naturalistic observation. Direct observation involves watching behavior without interaction, while participant observation involves the researcher being part of the setting being observed. Structured observation uses a predetermined set of behaviors to observe, and naturalistic observation involves observing behavior in its natural setting.
George J. McCall has written: 'Observing the law' -- subject(s): Administration of Criminal justice, Criminology, Research 'Issues in participant observation' -- subject(s): Participant observation, Research, Sociology, Social Sciences
participant observation and surveys
In the classroom study conducted in 1968, Pygmalion was a non-participant observation. Researchers observed the teachers' expectations and how those influenced students' performance without directly involving themselves in the interactions.