"Participant observation is one type of data collection method by practitioner-scholars typically used in qualitative research and ethnography."
A research method where the anthropologist immerses themselves in the community they are studying and participates in the activities and events to gain insights on the culture and social norms of the group.
Ethnography: Ethnography is the study of people and their cultures. It refers to the practical application of participant observation in social research.
Participant Observation: Participant observation is a research method used in anthropology, sociology, and other social sciences, where the researcher immerses themselves in the community or culture they want to study.
Types of Participation Observation: Participant observation can be of two types- active and passive. Active participant observation is where the researcher fully engages with the community and culture they are studying. Passive participant observation is where the researcher observes from a distance and does not engage with the community.
Research Ethics: Research ethics is a set of principles that guide researchers in conducting research with integrity, respect, and accountability. Ethics are important in participant observation research to ensure that the rights and privacy of the participants are protected.
Data Collection: Data collection refers to the process of gathering information that is relevant to the research question. Participant observation relies on detailed field notes, which are written down by the researcher during the course of their observation.
Data Analysis: Data analysis is the process of examining the data collected during the research, in order to identify patterns and trends that can inform the research question.
Reflexivity: Reflexivity refers to the process of reflecting on one's own biases, assumptions, and values as a researcher. It is important to minimize the impact of the observer on the observed.
Sampling Techniques: Sampling techniques refer to the methods used to select participants for research. Participant observation often involves purposive or snowball sampling, which is selecting participants who are most relevant to the research topic.
Fieldwork: Fieldwork refers to the collection of data through participant observation. It typically involves long-term immersion in a community or culture, which allows the researcher to observe and interact with the community.
Theory in Participant Observation: Theory refers to the concepts and ideas that inform the research question. Participant observation research can be guided by theoretical frameworks such as phenomenology, structuralism, and symbolic interactionism.
Interpretive Analysis: Interpretive analysis is a method of analyzing data that focuses on interpretation, rather than quantification. It involves identifying patterns of meaning and interpreting them in the context of the culture being studied.
Writing Up Findings: Writing up findings refers to the process of presenting the data and results of the research study in a written report. Participant observation research may involve ethnographic writing, which is a descriptive and often narrative style of writing that provides a rich description of the culture being studied.
Full participant observation: Involves fully immersing oneself in a social group or community, participating in their activities and lifestyles, collecting data and experiences.
Partial participant observation: This is a form of selective immersion, undertaken when researcher tries to blend in with participants without engaging into all activities.
Observer as participant: As an observer, one takes a more detached role, observing the goings-on within a community with as little interference as possible. This method is attractive for researchers who want some emotional distance between themselves and those they are studying.
Participant as observer: Taking the opposite tack to the above method, researchers always keep themselves engaged in social interactions where they can take a more active role in the community.
Passive observation: This method involves researching a group or community from a distance without any direct interaction. This can involve studying literature or watching public events.
Active observation: This type of observation involves direct interaction with the participants. Usually, researchers interact with participants in moments that arise incidentally or as events occur.
Covert observation: This type of observation is conducted when the group or community being researched is unaware of the presence of the researcher.
Overt observation: This type of observation is conducted when members of the group or community being researched are fully aware of the researcher’s intentions.
Concealed observation: This type of observation is conducted by identifying oneself as someone from the same community.
Non-participant observation: This method involves observing a community, group or event as an outsider without taking part in it.
Systematic observation: This method of participant observation involves a pre-determined plan of observation and data collection.
Intuitive observation: Researchers using this approach take a more informal, individualistic, and intuitive angle in their observations.
"This type of methodology is employed in many disciplines, particularly anthropology, sociology, communication studies, human geography, and social psychology."
"The concept 'participant observation' was first coined in 1924 by Eduard C. Lindeman, an American pioneer in adult education."
"Eduard C. Lindeman was influenced by John Dewey and Danish educator-philosopher N.F.S.Grundtvig."
"Social Discovery: An Approach to the Study of Functional Groups."
"The method originated earlier and was applied in the field research linked to European and American voyages of scientific exploration."
"Joseph Marie, baron de Gérando already affirming that: 'The first way to get to know the Indians is to become like one of them; and it is by learning their language that we will become their fellow citizens.'"
"The method would be popularized by Bronisław Malinowski and his students in Britain."
"The students of Franz Boas in the United States" popularized the method.
"The students of the Chicago school of sociology" contributed to the popularity of participant observation in urban research.