Sociology Topic: Research Methods - Observations

Introduction to Observations

• Observations: A research method where the researcher observes individual or group behavior to understand social behaviors in-depth.
• Provides insights into behaviors and motivations not uncovered by other methods.

Observation Schedule

• Development of an observation schedule is crucial.
• Involves set times for observing behaviors.
• Flexibility varies (e.g., covert observations may take any opportunity available).

Preference by Sociologists

• Preferred by interpretivist sociologists, especially those using an ethnographic approach.
• Some positivists use structured, non-participant observations.

Types of Observations

Participant Observations

• Researcher takes part in activities with the group being studied.
• Higher validity due to close interaction.

Non-Participant Observations

• Researcher observes from a distance, detached from group actions.
• More objective and less influenced by observer bias.

Methods of Conducting Observations

Overt Observations

• Subjects are aware of the researcher’s presence and possibly the research aims.

Covert Observations

• Subjects are unaware of being observed, leading to more natural behaviors.
• Useful for hard-to-reach groups.

Advantages of Observations

• Provides first-hand witnessing of behaviors and interactions, revealing meanings and motivations.
• Observations in natural settings increase validity.
• Useful for studying hard-to-access groups like subcultures and gangs.

Limitations of Observations

Practical Issues

• Gaining access to groups, especially for covert observations.
• Recording information discreetly and accurately.
• Maintaining cover without disturbing activities.
• Costs related to equipment, qualifications, and disguise.

Ethical Issues

• Deception and lack of informed consent in covert observations.
• Potential harm to the researcher, especially in dangerous environments.
• Ethical dilemmas when witnessing illegal or immoral activities.

Theoretical Issues

• Reliability: Difficult to replicate human behavior studies.
• Objectivity: Researchers can become attached to groups.
• Validity: Hawthorne effect in overt observations.
• Representativeness: Small-scale research may not generalize well to wider populations.

Examples

• Keddie: Non-participant observations on teachers' attitudes by attending staff meetings.

• Winlow: Undercover work as a bouncer, revealing links to crime networks in the nighttime economy.

• Venkatash: Overt work with drug-dealing gangs in Chicago, a significant piece of research highlighting gang operations.

Conclusion

• Observations offer a valuable method for obtaining detailed insights into social behaviors but come with practical, ethical, and theoretical challenges.
• They are particularly useful for studying behaviors in natural settings and hard-to-access groups.