Critically Assess Observation Methods.

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Critically Assess Observation Methods

The term Observation Method describes a research method involving the observation of persons to derive and obtain data of a qualitative nature for sociological purposes. There are a variety of different and varying observation methods, each with its distinct disadvantages and advantages. This can be measured on two scales- the Overt/Covert scale which gauges the extent to which research subjects are aware of the observation and the Participant/Non-Participant scale which measures the degree to which the researcher is involved with the research subjects. Positivists, who view sociology as measurable through scientific methods, would not be in favor of observation methods as they see qualitative data as vague and from a narrow sample. On the other hand, interpretivists would be in favor of observation methods, as they view each individual within society as unique, therefore making qualitative data of greater utility.

One clear advantage of observation methods would be the fact that it produces vast amounts of detailed qualitative data. Interpretivists would see this as advantageous as they assume every person is a unique social entity. Qualitative data supplied by observation methods would therefore be of significant usefulness to interpretivist sociologists. The fact that observation