5/20/2023 0 Comments Participant observation definition![]() Every information is given as observed and thus there is less occurrence of bias because the observer does not get influenced by external factors while making the observations. Unlike other methods that might use limited specimens in the study, participant observation ensures that the right information has been collected from the sample group. The method heavily relies on the ability of the researcher to observe and interpret what is going on and thus the information is more valid. All this is made possible because of the fact that the researcher is included in the daily lives of the people and thus gets firsthand information on the various activities that they are involved in (Rice at al. This is achieved through the provision of a clear image of the lives of people where the research has been done. To start with, participant observation can be noted to be an effective method of providing valid information. The paper will highlight why the participant observation method is effective in the field of research. ![]() The method is essential in the field of research because of providing information that is valid, insightful, allows for flexibility, as well as dynamism (Sedano et al. Some think that it is a good method to be used in the collection of data in the field but there is another group that is skeptical about the effectiveness of this research method. A highlight of this method has seen people take sides, especially on its effectiveness. Beings elf aware in the process is essential in informing of any bias that might exist which in turn will affect the quality of findings in the study. It is always recommended that the researchers must remain objective throughout the research period. ![]() This might affect the quality of the findings in the study. ![]() It is advisable that the observer has to be free of influence by emotions while they are taking observations in the group they are observing. The researcher has to be keen and record or that he or she has seen and observed. For the method to be effective, the researcher has to be a subjective participant in that they will have to use the information that they have obtained from interacting with the communities to get a deeper understanding of the various aspects of the society they are investigating. The main area where this form of study is used widely today includes the qualitative sociology. Sociology has been a field that has widely adopted this method. īronislaw Malinowski and Franz Boas have been noted to be the main pioneers of this method and their contributions to the development of participant observation have been enormous ( Various researchers have delved into the topic of participant observation by focusing on its effectiveness as well as how it compared with other research studies that exist which may include interviews, focus groups, and even participatory action research. Sometimes it is impossible to gain intimate familiarity about issues of a specific group without having a keen consideration of how the people live as well as the various aspects of their culture that they hold dear. The underlying aim of this kind of research study is that the researcher will seek to gain a deeper understanding of the intended research groups. Does everyone understand what it means to join the group to be studied as a researcher and follow up on their activities for day practicing in all their activities? Does the presence of the researcher mean that more information will be obtained during the study? As a research strategy, participatory observation has been for long been used to obtain information on various fields that may include communication studies, sociology, cultural anthropology, and even social psychology.
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