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Definition of Participant Observation

Participant observation is considered to be the method of qualitative research where the researcher does not only observe the research participant, however actively engages in various other activities of the said research participants.

This type needs the researcher to become highly integrated into the environment of the participants along with taking notes about what might be going on. Majority of the researchers who are seen to conduct the participant observations are seen to take the role which shows that they are highly invested in studying.

It can be seen that there are three vital instances of the participant observation which are the following:

Getting or gaining the entry in a location where one wishes to conduct their study.
The other is to establish rapport with the participants of the research when under the investigation.
The last one is making sure that one spends enough time with the participants who are involved in that environment so that one can get proper and sufficient data which will be helpful for the study.

Participant Observation Examples

There are many types of participant observation and there are many examples which are as follows:

Covert participant observations generally include the studies where the researchers are seen to observe and as a matter of fact even interact with the people in the public places like transportation hubs, online chat rooms, restaurants and stores however they are not the ones who introduce themselves as the researchers or even inform the fact that they are being studies or used for research purposes.
The example of overt and active participant observation is religious, ethnic and cultural communities.
Example of overt and passive participant observation is the study of rebel structure of the government.

Participant Observation Sociology

The participant observation is sociology is considered when the researcher is seen to join the group which is being studied and also observe the behaviour of those participants. This is considered to be highly related with ethnography or ethnographic method.

This method is seen to consist of the in-depth study of the life of the group or people and the way they are seen to lead their lives.

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Example of the Participant Observation Sociology

For instance, one needs to present a research about the reasons for the spread of diseases in the rural areas and the issues of the rural areas, the researcher needs to observe the local people who belong in that area.

This will help the researcher in understanding how the local people in the specific rural area lead their lives and also connect with them to get an understanding of their perspective as to why they are seen to behave or take some kind of approach.

Participant Observation Research

Participant observation research is considered to be a qualitative research method where the researchers are seen to study a specific group of people and not just by observing this group, however by also participating in the activities which is seen to be carried out by the group.

Advantages of Participation Observation

The advantages of the participation observation is the following:

The researcher is seen to have a better access to the activities of the people or the subjects
Have an experience and gain a perspective which helps in a high quality research and is seen to cover various different angles
the participants or the subjects in this type of research especially the covert participation observation, do not change or make any kind of alterations in their behaviour especially in the presence of the researcher.

Pros and Cons of Participant Observation

The pros and the cons of the participant observation are the following:

Pros:

Access to various activities which are carried out by the subjects which the researcher’s study
gain the experience from a different point of view and gain clarity
the behaviour usually does not change
Direct and a prolonged observation of the subjects which help one understand their subjects clearly and come up with a better research

Cons:

If the subject or the people are aware of the researcher, then their behaviour might alter and they may pretend in front of the researcher which can lead to an incorrect research.
The practices in which the researcher may participate can often be illegal as well as dangerous for them
There is a greater risk of the researcher to lose their own objectivity
There may be a bias
There may be a potential guinea pig effect

Sociology Observation Examples

In Sociology, there are many different types of studies which usually come to the minds of the people when one thinks of sociology.

For example: It can be seen that a sociologist may go to a rural area and try to mix the local communities or the tribes, talk to them and even observe them so that they can learn about the hardships they face in life, the lack of government and basic facilities which have an impact on their lives and health like lack of employment, lack of education, lack of proper healthcare facilities and structures in these areas and many more.

Another example: An anthropologist may go to the rainforest to live with some tribes or also make a sociologist move, where they talk and observe the tribes and other people living in the community so that the researcher can have a clearer and a better view of poverty.

This is seen to be extremely helpful as the data does not always help in understanding the issues and it is the participant observation method which helps the researchers live the lives of the subjects and gain a perspective and have a different idea and also gain knowledge about various other underlying issues which one may not be aware off.

This helps in tackling many root causes of many social issues and helps in coming up with strategies which can help in eradicating the issues and ensure a better living for the people in the society. Thus, this method is seen to be used in sociology projects and researches.

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