Observation Cambridge IGCSE Sociology revision
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In plain words
What people say they do and what they do are often different things. Observation skips the asking and goes straight to the watching. The researcher has two decisions to make: join in or stand back, and tell them or keep it secret.
8 things to know
- In participant observation, the researcher joins the group and takes part in its activities. In non-participant observation, the researcher watches from outside without joining in.
- In overt observation, the group knows it is being studied. In covert observation, the group does not know, and the researcher's identity is hidden.
- Covert observation shows people behaving naturally, so validity is high and there is no Hawthorne effect. It also gives access to groups that would refuse to be studied.
- Covert observation is ethically doubtful, because it deceives people who have not given consent. It can be dangerous, and notes must be written in secret.
- Overt observation is more ethical, and the researcher can ask questions and take notes openly. The group may change its behaviour because it knows it is being watched.
- Participant observation gives a deep understanding of the group from the inside. The researcher may become too involved and lose objectivity, which is called "going native".
- Non-participant observation makes it easier to stay objective and to record behaviour, sometimes with a checklist. The researcher sees what people do but may not understand why.
- Observation takes a long time, involves small groups that are not representative, and cannot be repeated exactly, so reliability is low.
Worked example
A sociologist wants to study how a football gang behaves on match days. Evaluate covert participant observation for this.
- Strength: the gang would never agree to be studied, and covert research gets inside.
- Strength: the members behave naturally, so the data are valid.
- Limitations: it is deceptive, the researcher may be pressed to break the law, and discovery could be dangerous.
- Judgement: it may be the only way to get valid data, but the ethical and personal risks are high.
Tips and tricks
- There are two separate choices: participant or non-participant, and covert or overt. Name both when you describe an observation.
- The Hawthorne effect is the problem with overt observation. Deception is the problem with covert observation.
It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.
Observation: 5 questions and answers
These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.
In which type of observation does the researcher join in with the group?
The researcher takes part in the group's activities.
What is overt observation?
Overt means open.
What is the main ethical problem with covert observation?
They do not know they are part of research.
What does "going native" mean?
The researcher starts to see things only as the group does.
Which type of observation best avoids the Hawthorne effect?Stretch
People cannot react to a researcher they do not know about.
Quiz
5 questions
Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.
Worksheet
3 questions, 10 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.
Observation
Cambridge IGCSE Sociology 0495 · 10 marks · papermunch.org
Name ______________________________ Date ______________
What is meant by the term "covert observation"?[2]
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Observation in which the people being studied do not know that they are being observed for research.
Explain two strengths of participant observation.[4]
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Any two, each explained: the researcher sees behaviour first-hand in its natural setting, so validity is high; taking part gives a deep understanding of the group's meanings (verstehen); it can give access to groups that would not answer questions.
Explain two limitations of covert observation.[4]
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Any two, each explained: it is unethical, because people are deceived and have not given informed consent; it can be dangerous if the researcher is discovered; notes cannot be taken openly, so details may be forgotten; the researcher may have to take part in deviant acts.
Answers: Observation
- 1. Observation in which the people being studied do not know that they are being observed for research.
- 2. Any two, each explained: the researcher sees behaviour first-hand in its natural setting, so validity is high; taking part gives a deep understanding of the group's meanings (verstehen); it can give access to groups that would not answer questions.
- 3. Any two, each explained: it is unethical, because people are deceived and have not given informed consent; it can be dangerous if the researcher is discovered; notes cannot be taken openly, so details may be forgotten; the researcher may have to take part in deviant acts.