Critically Assess Observation Methods.
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 methods produce qualitative date also means that it
In psychology there are different methods of investigation, these would be observation, survey, clinical (case study), correlation and experimental methods.
Introduction to Psychology 3.1 & 3.2 Andrew Barker 50128485 In psychology there are different methods of investigation, these would be observation, survey, clinical (case study), correlation and experimental methods. Observation method Within this method, there are 5 different types, Participant Observation, Non-participant Observation, Structured Observation, Non-structured Observation and the Naturalistic Observation. These observation methods are a non-experimental type; most of these are planned and have an organised way of observing and recording behaviour. They can also be overt or covert. The Participant Observation is where the observer sets up and also takes part within the study. An advantage to this would that it has less chance of not understanding the behaviour as the researcher is the participant, a disadvantage to this is where there could be an absence of objectivity from the observer. The Non-participant Observation is where the observer only sets up but watches the person they are studying from a distance. An advantage here would be there is no effect on the participant from the observer. A disadvantage would be that the observer is away from the study so they rely on perception which may be inaccurate. The Structured Observation is planned, it watches and records behaviours as they happen in a controlled environment. An advantage here is that it
Participant Observation
Assess the usefulness of Participant Observation in Sociological Research Participant Observation is a method of data collection that takes advantage of the human ability to empathise. Unlike other research methods participant observation allows the sociologist to look at people in their natural environment. Participant observation is often associated with qualitative research, although the use of observation is not confined to researchers advocating any particular methodological approach. Sociologists such as Ned Polsky and Nigel Fielding have used participant observation to research different topics. This essay will explore the usefulness of the use of participant observation in sociological research, and its drawbacks. One of the most important decisions that participant observers have to make is how to approach the social group they wish to join. They can either choose to be a covert or an overt participant observer. A covert participant observer will declare their true identity and purpose whereas an overt participant observer will keep this hidden. Whilst some researchers choose to only be partially open, others strongly advocate being open from the start and argue that it is both morally and practically the best way to carry out participant observation. Ned Polsky suggests that it is morally correct to be truthful and that the research can easily be ruined if the
Participant Observation
Participant Observation Covert participant observation ( P.O) is when research is undertaken on subjects oblivious to the research. The subjects do not know the researchers purpose or true identity. In contrast overt P.O is when subjects are informed of the study and have given their consent. Covert P.O has raised many ethical questions on its deceiving methods. It is seen as an intrusion and a breach of privacy, which causes issues of human and civil rights to be raised. Groups, if they were to discover they were to discover they were the subjects of covert P.O would probably have a largely disagreeable reaction. Anger, betrayal, confusion and insecurity are just a few potential reactions to discovery. Covert P.O has led to some safety risks. Researchers have become involved in criminal and dangerous activity. Also, "going native", when a researcher stops studying the group and simply becomes a part of the group can cause problems for the lifestyle of them and the group. Studies such as, "The tea-room Trade" by Laud Humphreys, "Street Corner Society" by W.F Whyte and, "All day everyday" by Sallie Westwood have shown us the insight that Covert P.O can give into situations or activity that are heavily stigmatised or prejudiced in society. Its effects can be positive or negative but they are usually factual and so have a direct influence on solid stereotypes. Covert P.O is an
essay of participant observation
Essay on Participant Observation Participant observation is known as a form of subjective sociology as its aim is to understand the social world from the subject's point of view. The method involves allowing the researcher to get to know the group of people being studied by entering their world and participating with their everyday lives and activities. This allows the researcher to experience events in the way the group does, to gain an insight into the world from their perspectives and to gain a better understanding to the meanings and priorities behind the behaviours of that social group. Participant observation can be done in one of two ways. Either through the covet method, which is when the researcher joins the group being studied without informing the members of that group that any form of research is taking place, or the overt method which is when the researcher informs the group that research is taking place and what the research aims are. Each comes with their own advantages and disadvantages. The covert method is the best method to use along side participant observation as it allows the researcher to see the group's natural behaviour due to the group being unaware of them being studied. The covert method can also help when the research group is a hard to reach group or a difficult subject to ask about such as teens who have turned to drugs and why they take
Choice of research method. here are various types of research methods available, such as questionnaires, participant observation, longitudinal studies and interviews.
Choice of research method By definition, sociology refers to the systematic study of human behavior and society. It is a popular debate in sociological research concerning the idea that the choice of research is mainly influenced by the theoretical perspective of the sociologist. However, it has been suggested that there are other factors that might as well influence the sociologist's choice of research method, those being the choice of the research topic and the practical and ethical considerations. There are various types of research methods available, such as questionnaires, participant observation, longitudinal studies and interviews. First of all, a sociologist's theoretical perspective plays an important role in influencing his choice of research method, those being the structural and interpretive perspective. Structuralist such as functionalist and Marxist see structure of society that affects the way human behave. They believe in positivism view concerning the idea that sociologist should confine themselves to study social facts which can be objectively observed and measured. And that sociologist should not be concerned with the internal meanings, motives, feelings and emotions of individuals as they exists only in the person's consciousness and cannot be measured objectively. As such, structuralist sees quantitative research method as being the most appropriate way
Class Observation Report
Class Observation Report Introduction Teaching English is never easy, however, teaching English to speakers of other languages is especially a challenge. The purpose of this report is to point out 'good' ESOL teaching by observing a TESOL class. The class which I observed is Master of English (International) at Melbourne University Private (MUP). This report includes the backgrounds of teacher and learners, the type of the course and teaching schedule. Finally, the teaching methods in this lesson will be discussed. Background information In order to have a general understanding about this class, the teacher and students were interviewed. The information about their background and the course type are provided below. . Course and lesson background Master of English (International) at MUP includes Graduate Certificate in English (6 months), Graduate Diploma in English (one year) and Master of English (two years). This course provides variety of programs for students to improve their English abilities as well as develop their communication skills. By the end of the course, the students are expected be using English confidently and professionally. The class which I observed is Graduate Certificate, which consists one semester (16 weeks) and students have choice to do AECS1 (Advanced English communication skills one) or IELTS. The observation was conducted in AECS1 class,
Observation of teacher
TABLE OF CONTENTS CLASSROOM SIZE 2 ROOM LAYOUT 2 The Lesson 2 Conclusion: 2 Reference 2 OBSERVATION Teacher: Ajaz Ahmad Venue: South Birmingham College Date of Observation:03.02.2007,Saturday 9am-12pm Curriculum Area: Level 1 Certificate for IT users - Microsoft Excel This observation was booked with the tutor a week before it took place. In a meeting prior to the observation he explained the curriculum covered within the course and the topic that was to be covered in the next session. CLASSROOM SIZE The tutor was an experienced and qualified teacher. This was a medium sized class; it consisted of 12 learners. However only 10 learners were present on the day. The learners were of different age groups, the age range varied from 18 years old to 50 years old. The learners belonged to different ethnic groups; there were 3 from Pakistan, 3 White British, 2 from Somalia and 2 from India. For some of the learners English was not the first language and these students were taking the ESOL (English for the Speakers of Other Languages) classes to improve their English language skills. ROOM LAYOUT The lesson took place in a fairly large room. The layout of the classroom made a 'U' shape as all the computer desks were placed around the classroom. The centre of the classroom was furnished with a large fixed table surrounded by chairs. There was smart board fixed in front of
Observation in the Nursery
A02: Observation in the Nursery As part of my coursework I had to observe a care worker, I chose to observe the nursery nurse. I carried out my observation in the nursery at Beech hill primary school. I observed the communication skills that the nursery nurse used to communicate with the children. I observed the nursery nurse using four different methods of communication skills: > Tone and pace > Eye contact and body language > Empathising > Clarifying Tone and Pace Tone and pace are two different types' communication methods but it is normally used together. Using the two communication methods together makes communication more effective. Tone is the reverberation of the voice which we use to communicate with each other. Tone is set as a non verbal communication because it is separated from spoken words. We use tone to communicate and send out messages for example tone is used to show if someone is angry, not interested it is also used to show attraction and sympathy. It is important to use tone in the tight way because if it isn't it can give out the wrong message to people. Tone is the attitude of the speaker as revealed in the choice of the tone of speech. Pace is the tempo of conversation. It is important that pace is used correctly because if it used to fast or to slow it can be hard for another person to understand and also a person may start to find a
Participant Observation.
Participant Observation Participant Observation is the study of a culture or society usually carried out by living for an extended period of time with its members. The participant-observer takes part in everyday life and carefully records such things as behaviour, events and conversations, in order to obtain a fully rounded picture of beliefs, social groupings and customs. There are two different forms of Participant Observation: Overt observation is when the subjects are aware they are being observed and allow the observer in to their lives, this is often the most criticised form due to bias, Covert observation is when the subjects are not aware they are being observed and therefore the process has to remain secret to remain relevant. The main benefit of Participant Observation as a means of research is the deeper experience and insight of the activities and customs of particular societies that the observer gains. They become immersed into a particular culture and surroundings in an effort to gain a greater understanding of how and why societies function as they do. However Participant Observation is often criticised due to the possible bias that may occur from forming relationships with those involved in the study. Due to the considerable time spent on the study (usually around 3-9 months) and around the subjects the observer may find it hard to refrain from becoming too
