Research Methods and Education

Observation

Objectives

• To understand what participant observation is and what type of researcher uses them.

• To understand the benefits and disadvantages of using participant observation.

• To link participant observations to education.

The Facts

• Useful for studying deviant groups, or in situations where interviews and questionnaire may not be appropriate e.g. surveying the attitudes of very young children.

Covert and Overt

• Overt- Researcher reveals his or her true identity and purpose to the group. They know they are being watched

• Covert- Research is carried out ‘under cover’. True identity and purpose is kept a secret from the group. If participating they usually pose as a genuine member of the group

• Structured Observation- Researcher classifies behaviour they see into distinct categories

• Unstructured Observation- Observer simply records what they see and experience in any way they can

• P.O. is when the researcher has 'become part of a daily round, learning languages and meanings, rules of impersonal, relations... and in short, living the life of the people under study.' (Hughes, 1976).

• The emphasis is on qualitative research, where the social meanings of the actors is the basis for explaining their actions.

• Verstehen- empathy (understanding what someone is going through)

• NP.O- researcher simply observes the group or event without taking part in it Activity Page 207

Comparison of Covert and Overt observation

• Discuss these possible subjects for a participant observation study and decide which would be more suitable for a covert observation study and which for an overt study. Explain your reasons.

 • a religious sect• a class of university students• football fans• company directors• drug addicts

P.Observation

• Observer finds a role within the group that allows them to study group behaviour

• Observations are recorded in field notes

• Research often involves years of fieldwork

• Researchers start with an open mind and re search ideas emerge during the study

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRq1AhFAN-4

Steps- why may there be issues at some of these points?

• Getting in- making contact- acceptance- observers role

• Staying in- going native (becoming over involved)

• Getting Out

Evaluation

• In pairs discuss and note down the advantages or disadvantages of using participant observation.

Disadvantages • http://www.chrisgardner.cadcol.ac.uk/

sls1/tests/methods/podis.htm Advantages• http://www.chrisgardner.cadcol.ac.uk/

sls1/tests/methods/poadvs.htm

answers

Additional AdvantagesAdvantages1. Flexibility- hypotheses/explanations can be

formulated/changed during research

Disadvantages1. The researcher may get too involved and lose

their ability to be objective (bias)2. Data not valid as for non participant observation

(Positivists suggest that its subjective and biased impressions of the observer)- Also Hawthorne effect (presence of stranger could impact behaviour)

3. The group studied is usually too small to be representative

4. There are ethical problems especially if the group is involved in illegal activities.

Example Studies• Laud Humphries in ‘Tearoom Trade’. He went

undercover in public toilets in the USA, where he developed a greater understanding of the experiences and lifestyles surrounding ‘gay liaisons in such places. He took on the role of the ‘watch queen’ and kept a look-out for approaching strangers. He discovered that most of the men involved were not homosexual but in fact ‘straight men’ in search of a gay experience.

• Eileen Barker in ‘The Making of a Moonie’ went undercover with the Moonies cult to find out how far they actually did brainwash their members.

• James Patrick in ‘A Glasgow Gang Observed’ became involved with a gang of violent young criminals in Scotland. He spent many hours with them to try and understand how and why they performed the crimes that they did.

Non P Observation

• Adv: 1.Less drawn into group activity.2.Researcher is less biased and

more neutral.•  Disadv:• 1. Researcher finds it hard to see

the world through the eyes of those observed.

HW Task

• Research one of the following studies:•John Howard Griffin ‘Black like me’.•Laud Humphries: ‘Tea room Trade’•James Patrick ‘Glasgow gangs’

• What did they find out, how did they record their data and what are the strengths/weaknesses of their method?

Task

• Carry out 2 pieces of observation:1. Local library: Spend 10 minutes watching

how people behave.2. An evening at home with your family:

watch how they behave and interact.

• Comment on which study is more biased, how accurate they are, if participant or non-participant is more effective and whether covert or overt is more valid.

Exam Practice

• Assess the strengths and limitations of participant observation for the study of labelling in schools.

20 marks(AO1=8, AO2 = 12)