Objective 3.1 Evaluate participant, non-participant, naturalistic, overt and covert observations.

The types of observations used in Qualitative research. Participant Non-participant Overt Covert Naturalistic

What is participant observation? Participant observation is in some ways both the most natural and the most challenging of qualitative data collection methods. It connects the researcher to the most basic of human experiences, discovering through immersion and participation the how and why of human behavior in a particular context.

What is participant observation? Through participant observation, it is possible to describe what goes on, who or what is involved, when and where things happen, how they occur, and why—at least from the standpoint of participants—things happen as they do in particular situations. The methodology of participant observation is exceptional for studying processes, relationships among people and events, the organization of people and events, continuities over time, and patterns, as well as the immediate sociocultural Contexts in which human existence unfolds

What can we learn from participant observation? Data obtained through participant observation serve as a check against participants’ subjective reporting of what they believe and do. Participant observation is also useful for gaining an understanding of the physical, social, cultural, and economic contexts in which study participants live; the relationships among and between people, contexts, ideas, norms, and events; and people’s behaviors and activities – what they do, how frequently, and with whom.

Strengths of participant observations Combines emic and etic experiences of a specific group. How so? Explain. Provides a very detailed and in-depth knowledge of a topic, which cannot be gained by other methods. Provides a holistic interpretation of a topic, because the researchers seek to understand how and why the social processes are the wat they are, instead of imposing their own reality on the phenomenon.

Limitations of participant observations Can be difficult to record data promptly and objectively. The process can become time-consuming. The researcher needs to be physically present and try to indulge into the phenomena-as well as analyze the findings. Observations would not be a good technique to use as a “stand-alone” research method. Explain why.

Limitations of participant observations This is not practical for most applied research studies, which necessarily require a shorter period of data collection. By entering the group, the observer by definition changes it to some extent. What are examples of this?

Non-participant observations Non-participant observation means that the researcher is not part of the group being studied. It is a research technique by which the researcher observes participants with or without their knowledge. The researcher does not take an active part in the situation as in participant observation.

Why use Non-participant observations? The Non-Participating observer concentrates fully on his or her role and as a researching observer, taking little or no part in the interactions/situations to be investigated. More precise records can be made by Non- Participatory Observations, as the observer can concentrate fully on his/her the interpretation of what he or she sees. (strength)

Strengths of non-participant observations Participant and nonparticipant observations share several benefits and problems, both being useful fact-finding methods when in depth data is sought. This is especially true when the investigator wants to describe a cycle of events. Observers are able to focus on the dynamics of a particular group without personally influencing the group (from a participant perspective- although the presence of the researcher can still influence the group to some extent).

Potential of Reactivity Reactivity, which refers to the influence that an observation procedure exerts on behavior, is a problematic and continuing concern on observational research credibility. Non participant participants can potentially change their behavior because of the presence of an “authority”.

Limitations of non-participant observations Deception is sometimes an ethical issue that arises due to the information that is usually obtained. It is rare that deceptive research is ever adequately justifiable to review boards.

Naturalistic observations Naturalistic Observation simply mean that the observation takes place in the participants natural environment, and that the researcher’s avoid interfering with the behavior they are observing. This technique is often used where lab research does not provide a realistic approach or where researcher have to cut down the extra expenses involved in procedure. When justified, it can help researchers to see behaviors as they naturally occur.

Naturalistic observations Naturalistic observations are quite different from structural observations as investigator cannot intervene in subject’s natural behavior and environment. For example the use of natural observations is apparent in behavioral studies of animals. Example: Dr. Robert Sapolsky and his naturalistic observations with monkeys.

Naturalistic observations Naturalistic Observation simply mean that the observation takes place in the participants natural environment, and that the researcher’s avoid interfering with the behavior they are observing. This technique is often used where lab research does not provide a realistic approach or where researcher have to cut down the extra expenses involved in procedure. When justified, it can help researchers to see behaviors as they naturally occur.

Strengths of Naturalistic observations High Ecological Validity: The collection of data takes place in a natural environment and it is assumed that participants behave in a natural way. Valuable as a preliminary research tool. It can therefore lead to the identification of an appropriate hypothesis for further investigation in a more controlled setting

Limitations of Naturalistic observations Observer bias might occur. This happens when observers may interpret what they see in line with the expectations they have. It may affect how a particular behavior is interpreted. E.g. a researcher might expect boys to be more aggressive than girls and so might interpret a boy pushing a child as aggressive, but might not if it were a girl doing it. One way to overcome this would be to have two or more observers.

Limitations of Naturalistic observations Ethical concerns: This method must prove justifiable and must not violate the privacy of the participants. The process of gaining clearance to naturally observe a phenomena can also prove quite time consuming.

Types of Participant & Non-Participant Observations There are two main types of observation; covert and overt:- In the case of Covert Observation, the people being observed do not know that they are observed. The observation is undertaken discreetly so that the behavior of the person being observed is not disrupted or altered. The person’s behavior is intended to continue as naturally as possible.

Types of Participant & Non-Participant Observations Covert observation- Participant observation carried out without the explicit awareness and agreement of the social group being studied. This entails finding some self-explanatory role within the research setting in order to mask the researcher's true purpose. It may be used because research access to the social unit group would normally be denied, or to ensure that the researcher's presence does not affect the behavior of those being observed.

How to conduct Covert Observations Either they mix in with the subjects undetected (participant), or they observe from a distance(non-participant). The strengths of this approach are: (1) It does not rely on people’s willingness or ability to provide information. (2) The subjects’ behavior will not be contaminated by the presence of the researcher.

How to conduct Covert Observations The limitations of this approach are: (1) It is deemed unethical by many review boards because of the lack of informed consent. (2) Susceptible to researcher bias. Interpretation of observed behavior is subjective to the perspective of the researcher. (3) Does not increase your understanding of why people behave as they do.

Types of Participant & Non-Participant Observations An overt observation in when a participant knows that they are being observed and the purpose behind the observation. This method of observation means that participants can be followed to different locations as fully informed consent can be given with no need for deception. (strengths) However as the participant knows that they are being followed, it is likely that there will be a high chance of demand characteristics as they will wish to please the observer.(limitations)

Overt Observations According to Jerquer (2010) The strengths of this approach are: It is ethically sound (unlike covert observation) Gains in depth emic knowledge from sub groups. (unlike questionnaires) Can increase your understanding of why people behave as they do.

Overt Observations The limitations of this approach are: Overt observations can be time consuming. Researchers must spend numerous hours observing and interpreting behavior. Can cause the Hawthorne effect (because they know they're being observed) Can be difficult to maintain confidentiality with some observed information. Some more sensitive subjects

The four types of Participant/Non Participant Observations ACTIVITY DISCLOSURE OVERT COVERT PARTICIPANT Waiting with other commuters, taking notes obviously Waiting with other commuters, taking notes secretly NONPARTICIPANT Standing aside from commuters, taking notes obviously Hiding from commuters, taking notes secretly