1.7 observations RGA.notebook
1
February 07, 2018
Starter Slide
Classroom Expectations:
Arrive on time
Coat off
Bags off desks
Equipment & Planner on desks
TITLE: DATE: 2/02RM ‐ Observations
RECAP: SURVEYS VS
LOs
Objective Key WordsKnow
Understand
How will you display SMSC today?Courage ‐ Respect ‐ Friendship ‐ Inspiration ‐ Determination ‐
Equality ‐ ExcellenceEmpathy – Courtesy – Resilience ‐
Etiquette
TITLE: DATE:
To give reasons and evidence for your views (ext: to consider alternative opinions and views)
To spot patterns and explain what's happening
Is sociological research worthwhile? Can we find out anything meaningful from it?
The Big Question:
Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3EDUCATION & RM FAMILIES & BELIEFS CRIME
What are observations? ParticipantNon‐participant
To what extent are observations useful for sociologists?
CovertOvert
How are observations designed and carried out?
ValidityReliabilityRepresentativeness
2/02RM ‐ Observations
Oct 1513:19
COVERT Observation
OVERT Observation
PARTICIPANT Observation
NON‐PARTICIPANT Observation
Types of Observations
Oct 1513:19
Participant ObservationKey word Definition
Involves the researcher actually joining a group or community that they are studying, and participating in its activities in order to gain insight into and understanding of the group.
Which theorists are likely to favour participant observation?
Can you think of any potential PROBLEMS?
Venkatesh (2009) spent 18 months over 7 years, with crack‐dealing street gangs in Chicago. This has become a classic example of overt participant observation.
Why might this have been useful?
Venkatesh was able to gain a real insight.
May 917:52
Interpretivists favour participant observations because they see it as the best way to understand other people ‐ to get inside their heads. This understanding is called...
VerstehenKey word Definition
An understanding of other people's motivations and feelings developed through empathy or close identification.
EXAM ANSWER EXAMPLE?Interpretivist sociologists favour qualitative methods such as participant observations because they can develop verstehen, and therefore give more valid data.
May 917:56
The stages of participant observation
Getting In
Staying In
Getting out
Key word Definition
Covert RoleWhere the researcher conceals their identity from the group being studied, to gain access and avoid disrupting normal behaviour.
Key word Definition
Overt RoleWhere the researcher reveals to the group being studied his or her true identity and purpose.
Depending on the researcher's role, they may or may not be able to easily access and join the group being studied.
A covert role is likely when deviant activities are being studied (think 'going undercover') although an overt role is maybe 'easier' (and safer) for the researcher.
The observer must develop their role or relationship in a way that allows them to continue. This can be hard when they need to record data and maintain trust.
It can be difficult to leave the group without damaging relationships. There could be reprisals for criminal activities, or breached trust if the participation was covert.
1.7 observations RGA.notebook
2
February 07, 2018
May 307:09
The sociologist gains first hand, primary knowledge. With trust, more deep valid data can be obtained.
The researcher is unlikely to impose their own views or bias on the group, so data is more valid.
Sociologists can 'learn answers to questions they never would have asked' ‐ it allows the research to change in response to the evidence.
Best way to achieve verstehen and valid understanding.
It may be the only possible research method for criminal and deviant activities.
People are studied in a natural environment, therefore it's more valid.
People are studied over time, which makes the data more representative (at least of the group being studied)
Advantages of participant
observations
May 307:09
Positivists say there is no good way to test or check findings (can't repeat easily ‐ unreliable)
A researcher's own interpretations may be very important (leading to invalidity and bias)
The personality and characteristics of the researcher are too important ‐ the method isn't reliable.
The Hawthorne effect ‐ if the researcher is overt.
Going native ‐ the researcher can become so involved that they can't be an objective observer anymore.
Time consuming and expensive.
Small group studied so unrepresentative
Ethical issues ‐ if covert, then no consent is given. Even if overt, if knowledge is gained of criminal activities there is an ethical and legal problem.
Disadvantages of participant observation
Oct 1513:19
Non‐Participant ObservationKey word Definition
Involves the researcher observing the group, without participating in the activities being studied.
In what ways might non‐participant observation be better than participant observation?Advantages of
non‐participant observations
Disadvantages of non‐participant
observation
• Reduces the risk that the presence of the researcher will affect the group.• Allows the researcher to investigate uncooperative groups.• Lets the researcher observe people in their normal social situation; avoids the hawthorne effect.
• Reduces the understanding of the meanings people attach to the behaviour being observed; it's harder to achieve verstehen.• The data produced may only reflect the researcher's assumptions about observed behaviour.• Covert observations are still unethical.
May 1007:22
Comparing different strengths and weaknessesN
um
ber
of p
art
icip
ant
s in
volv
ed
Level of involvement of the researcher
Complete the graph in your books, using the research methods we've covered
Remember to include:
Postal Questionnaires
Questionnaires
Structured Interviews
Unstructured interviews
Non‐participant observation
Participant observation
May 1007:22
Comparing different strengths and weaknesses
Va
lidit
y of
the
da
ta
Awareness of the participants
Complete the graph in your books, using the research methods we've covered
Remember to include:
(unaware) (Fully informed)
Covert participant observation
Overt participant observation
Covert non‐participant obs.
Overt non‐participant obs.
Lab experiments
Field experiments
Feb 111:03
Methods in Context: Exam Question
Some sociologists have pointed to the ease with which traditional gender identities can be reinforced in classroom interaction. verbal abuse and other more subtle processes such as the 'male gaze' can have an impact on gender identity. Sociologist have found that some male teachers may even collude with male pupils in 'putting down' girls. Sociologists may use non‐participant observation to investigate the ways in which classroom interactions reinforce traditional gender identities. observing classroom behaviour at first hand enables researchers to see what actually goes on rather than getting a verbal account after the event. There is also the potential for greater insight through direct experience of classroom interaction. However, it is very difficult for the observer to avoid being noticed and this can affect the behaviour both of teachers and of pupils.
Applying material from Item A and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of non‐participant observation for the study of the ways in which classroom interactions reinforce traditional gender identities. [20 marks]
1.7 observations RGA.notebook
3
February 07, 2018
Feb 114:57 Plenary
PPQ practice
PLENARY
Objective Key Words
Know
Understand
TITLE: DATE: /02/2017RM ‐ Observation
To give reasons and evidence for your views (ext: to consider alternative opinions and views)
To spot patterns and explain what's happening
What are observations ParticipantNon‐participant
To what extent are observations useful for sociologists?
CovertOvert
How are observations designed and carried out?
ValidityReliabilityRepresentativeness
1) Outline two advantages of using participant observation in research (10 marks)
What to include:2 paragraphs‐Each advantage needs examples (real or made up)‐Fully explain why the advantage is good, linked to PERVERT