CHAPTER SEVEN PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION AND CASE STUDIES

Participant Observation Participant observation is the observation and participation in a group’s activities - in its natural setting. It is also known as: ethnography, field studies, and/or the verstehen approach. It is based on a grounded theory approach: an approach that develops a theory as data is collected as opposed to being predetermined. A few examples of those who use participant observations include: researchers, journalists, and law enforcement.

Types of Participant Observation Complete Participation – participation and manipulation, i.e., disguised observations. Participant as Observer – an attempt to objectively observe activities of the group. Observer as Participant – in-depth interviews. Complete Observation – experimental and unobtrusive measures. ** Distinctions cannot always be made between unobtrusive studies, field studies, and participant as observer “types.”

Characteristics or “Qualities” of Participant Observation Demands on time and personal cost (personal involvement). The participant observer must be two dimensional, i.e., maintain objectivity despite becoming an insider. Avoid over-socialization, i.e., “going native.” For example, police undercover operations. Avoid over-identification with the study group and aversion to it, i.e., remain objective despite personal subjective bias – “don’t be judgmental.”

Procedures of Participant Observation “There is no one and only method of participant observation.” Recording methods: field notes/diaries, mnemonics, recordings, and photographs. Know when and where to do these activities – the primary objective is to observe and listen. Use with caution, rapport is more important that recording results, i.e., avoid questions and note taking – this makes people nervous and creates a disturbance within the group setting. Know the jargon (“argot”) of the group to be studied in order to gain access. There is a variety of strategies to gain access, i.e., status and gatekeepers are possible sources.

Other Participant Observation Procedures (Cont’d) Identify the true purpose of the study with the group – announcement of intentions. Snowball sampling – develop subjects through introductions of former subjects, i.e., gatekeepers. Reciprocity – mutual obligation, i.e., what is owed.

Other Participant Observation Procedures (Cont’d) Protect individual identities if possible, i.e., pseudonyms or aliases. Avoid criminal activity. Validate Findings, i.e., interviews, police and legal officials, documents, and other case histories. Some examples include: Skinheads, Idaho Christian Patriots, Underworld figures, motorcycle gangs, etc.

Using Hamm’s Skinheads and Jankowski’s gang studies Discussion Using Hamm’s Skinheads and Jankowski’s gang studies discuss some of the potential dangers as well as prospects of studying deviant groups on their turf.

Advantages of Participant Observations Sensitizing – “verstehen” strategy Less prejudgments Less disturbing as compared to an experimental design Greater flexibility An excellent means of obtaining detailed qualitative data Natural setting

Disadvantages of Participant Observations Time consuming Expensive Over-identification or dislike of the group being studied Problem with gaining access and acceptance Ethical dilemmas, i.e., privacy, illegal activities - criminality, confidentiality, and reciprocity Observer bias or subjectivity Yields non-quantitative data – an analytical issue

CASE STUDIES (Observer as Participant) Case studies focus on single individuals, groups, or communities – a few illustrative cases Case studies employ historical documents, oral histories, in-depth interviews, and participant observations. Primary advantages: in-depth qualitative; view of one or a few subjects. Primary disadvantages: Subjectivity, researcher bias, and cases that are atypical.

Question/Discussion Of what importance have case studies been in criminological/criminal justice research? Explain And, Provide examples that have used this approach.

Single-Subject Designs (Complete Observation) Quantitative case studies that involve the longitudinal measurement of a dependent variable on a single subject, i.e., a time interval that utilizes a baseline period and a measurement period (Not the same as X’s and O’s with the traditional group design). Single subject intervention v. group study – more clinical. More of a clinical approach and has a major problem with generalizability; however, replication is a possible solution.