Using material from item B and elsewhere assess the strengths and limitations of group interviews for investigating anti-school subcultures.

The main practical advantage of covert observation is that it reduces the risk of altering peoples’ behaviour.  Due to the rapport and the trust that James Patrick had established with the Glasgow gang he was studying, he was able to observe the genuine behaviour of the members and hence, draw conclusions about the group. Investigating such a group in school in a covert manner will give the researcher a rich source of qualitative data that provides a picture of how they really interact. This is because; such groups are likely to be suspicious of outsiders who come asking questions. Relative to Item B it allows researchers to see how pupils actually behave which is the only way to obtain valid information that can serve as the bases for generalisations.

As a form of verstehen, allowing the sociologist to become

However, the non-participant observation has proven to encounter some difficulties from previous research over the years. There are practical issues involved when choosing to research pupils. The target population is likely to be limited in ability. Pupils’ vocabulary, powers of self-expression skills and confidence are likely to be more limited than those of the researchers.  Despite the fact that the sociologist’s identity is clandestine, the person would have to word sentences differently and make an effort to have the same level of understanding which will be time-consuming, stressful, demanding and might distort the sort of information the researcher was trying to get. Also, such a method requires observational and interpersonal skills that the researcher may not possess. Furthermore, notes cannot usually be taken down openly and the sociologists must rely on memory and the opportunity to write them in secret. Therefore similar to Item B, it may be particularly difficult for researchers to observe pupil behaviour in covert manner.

Covert observation in particular raises serious ethical difficulties. Given the vulnerability of pupils and the fact that they are minors, it is considered unethical to use these people to make observations. This is simply because; the sociologists did not obtain the informed consent of their subjects or parents before commencing and it is immoral to deceive people, obtaining information by pretending to be their friend or ‘in the same boat’ and conceal the purpose of the study. This gives evidence to item B which points out that there are ethical problems associated with observing pupils. Additionally, the researchers may have to participate in immoral or illegal activities as part of their ‘cover role’. Hence, a non-participant observation may not be the most suitable method to adopt.