Ruth’s Sociology Resources Blog

Observation is basically about watching people – it can be split into four types which overlap:

Participant – the observer takes part in the activities of the group he or she is observing e.g Paul Willis

Non-participant – the researcher does not take part in the activities of the group e.g. Ofsted inspectors

Overt – the group/individuals are aware that they are being studied

Covert – the group/individuals are not aware that they are being studied

Observation tends to produce qualitative data and observation studies often take place over a long period of time so that the observer can increase the validity of their study.

By its very nature observation produces lots of ethical issues, as observers, whether participating or not, tend to alter the behaviour of the individuals being studied – think how much better you tend to behave when there’s an Ofsted inspector in the classroom!

For some more detail on observation, click here.

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