Observation Research into the behaviour, norms, values and customs of underage drinkers in a pub environment.
Observation as a method of sociological research
There are various types of observation methods available for sociologists to use ranging from structured observation to covert and overt participant observation.
Here is a closer analysis of the types of observation which exist:
- Structured observation, this is where the observer often has a schedule to make notice of amount of occurrences of particular event.
- Participant observation, is where the observer takes part in the
, where s, where the observer actually takes part in the event
Each type of observation has their advantages and disadvantages below outlines them in detail:
Observation Research into the behaviour, norms, values and customs of underage drinkers in a pub environment
Method used:
- Covert/Participant observation
- Full immersion in the subject culture to avoid hawthorn effect (observer effect) which may taunt or nullify some findings
- Observation was unstructured and finding were noted mentally and written down at the nearest appropriate time. Any findings written down in the field would have compromised the covert nature of the research.
Findings:
- By fully immersing ourselves in the observation the target culture could be observed ‘inside out’ and we could not only observe behaviour we could, through conversation, find out the views, motives of the said culture. Something that could not have otherwise been achieved.
