Yaksh ChaudharyAIR 6 · CSE 2021 · 186 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a definition
Participant observation is a technique of data collection. Researcher observe the behavior and actions of individuals in their natural environment. Holistic study of society in terms of customs, values, way of life etc. is possible.
Body · points
Practical disadvantages
(1) Demand of personal committment of researcher. for eq. Skeggs conducted a study on women for 12 years. It demands time committment from the researcher.
(2) ethical problem : If covert method is used, ethical problems may arise because of non-informing the members.
(3) Howthorne effect: If presenu of researcher is known to members of society (ie. overt method), their behavior might change.
(4) NIGEL FIELDING advocates that ethical problem arise especially when studying vulnerable sections.
(5) WILLIAM FOOT WHYTE who studied Italian Americans criminal gangs in Boston, argues that approach of researcher is unique, hence can not be replicated (ie. low reliability).
(6) making personal rapport with the group is difficult. for eg. Sudheer Venkatesh (Chicago study) found it difficulty to intermingle with criminal gang he was studying.
Close · a summary
Despite of these limitations, the validity of research is high using participant observation and it gives holistic view of society,