End of Chapter Questions

 Name the three different kinds of observation. Briefly explain each.

The three kinds of observations are Non-Participant, Participant and Covert. Non-
Participant is also known as Naturalistic Observation. It is a kind of observation in which the
researcher does not have a direct and physical interaction with the subject. Through this
method, the researcher only observes and watches the subject while collecting precise data. In
addition, although this type of data gathering can now use modern recording devices, it can
consume a lot of time for the researchers. Moreover, the observer might cause the subject to
behave differently, as they are aware that they are being observed and are put under scrutiny.
Another kind of observation is the Participant. Unlike the former, this method requires
involvement of the researcher to the environment being studies. Through this, the observer can
gather deeper knowledge about the behavior and practices of the participant which might not
be available to him in the first place. However, the researcher might develop bias which might
cause jeopardize the impartiality of the results. The third kind of observation is the Covert.
This method is done in secret and the observer must gather the data while doing undercover.
A drawback of this, on the other hand, is that it might cause some ethical issues.

 Describe what you think are the strength and weaknesses of adopting observational methods
in a research project.

The observational method gives the researcher a better understanding of the subject as he
has access to the environment of the study. Through this method, the researcher may have a
direct interaction with the subject. In turn, he will be able to gather information that are only
accessible through observation. Moreover, since the observer is able to be immersed in the
actual environment, the data that can be gathered is more precise. This method has also become
very efficient as compared before because it now uses electronic gadgets to acquire
information. However, this method also has its weaknesses. For example, records from the past
cannot be observed anymore. Also, the presence of the observer himself might affect the
behavior of the people being observed, as a result of Hawthorne Effect. Furthermore, this
method be time consuming, most especially when the observation is not aided by recording
devices or gadgets. It also is not very efficient if the scale of the subject is very large.

 How can audio and video recordings be useful in your research?

When using audio and video recorders, one of the things that a researcher must check is
the permission to actually use such to gather information. Also, the observer must make sure
that the data acquired from such should be treated with confidentiality and must not be used
for recreation or any purposes aside from research data gathering. These tools are indeed useful
for research because it makes data gathering easier to be recorded and reviewed. There are
instances that some of the important information that could potentially build up the research
are put into waste because of lack of records. In addition, the number of information that a
researcher can remember is limited. Through the help of recorders, the observers will be able
to review every single action. Moreover, if there is a confusion with a certain circumstance
that happened in a specific time, a record of the whole situation can be very useful to clear and
 verify the said situation. While these tools are very efficient, the researcher must be able to
know the ethical issues that could potentially rise while using it.

 In naturalistic, nonparticipant observation, how does the researcher perform an observation

without the knowledge of the participants?

One of the most effective ways in order perform an observation without the participants
knowing it is through the use of electronic devices such as voice and video recorders. Through
such, the observers do not have to directly interact with the subjects and there is no actual and
physical contact that could happen between them. In addition, there is a slight chance of
communication between the researchers and the subjects through this method. This also lowers
the possibility of having the observer affect the behavior of the people under scrutiny, or also
known as the Hawthorne Effect, since the subject is not aware that he is being observed.
Through using such devices, the researcher will be able to monitor the a more detailed and
precise behavior of the people such as their attitude, expressions and body languages. This is
the easiest way to gather information and authentic reactions from the subject without them
having awareness that they are under observation.

 Which type of observational method would a researcher use if wanting to study the behaviors
of a cult or gang?

Since this situation may imperil the safety of the researcher, the most ideal observational
method to use is the Covert method. This allows the observer to go undercover while gathering
information through observation. It is done in secret and the subject does not have any
knowledge that he is put under observation. Since this is also a participant observation, the
researcher may be interaction with the people but he is not allowed to expose his true identity
and personality. However, the observer must be aware of the ethical issues that may arise while
conducting the research. Since this method is done in secret, the observer might be getting
information that are acquired out of consent. One of actual examples of using this method is
written in the book “A Glasgow Gang Observed” by James Patrick, which is the pseudonym
that he used while conducting the research for undercover. He managed to monitor the behavior
of a gang in Maryhill, Glassgow by being a gang member.

 A sleep study would be an example of what kind of observation.

A sleep study is an exam which allows doctors to observe the patients while sleeping to
diagnose sleep disorders. This type of study is falling under the controlled observation.
Usually, the patients were initially informed about the purpose of the research which means
that they are fully aware that they are being observed. This is actually of the drawbacks of this
method, since this could also trigger Hawthorne Effect, which makes them to restrict their
behavior because they are aware that they are being observed.
 Which has more flexibility, naturalistic or laboratory observation?

The laboratory observation is more structured than a naturalistic or non-participatory

method. Thus, the naturalistic method is more flexible than laboratory observation. While
conducting non-participatory observation, the researcher observes the subject in a flexible
manner. In turn, he is able to use the unexpected occurrences to gather information and ideas
that might build up the course of the research. The researcher is able to take advantage of
instantaneous circumstances. It does not follow a fixed format and is not dependent on a step
by step procedure. In contrast with laboratory observation, the situation is more controlled and
there is a specific format or procedure to be followed. Also, the research mainly focuses on the
expected results after the procedures and not on those data gathered from sudden situations.
This observational method acquires information from a more systematic manner rather than
following the natural and actual setting.

 How do you define the term covert observation? Are there any possible ethical issues
concerning this method?

The covert observation is a participatory method that is done in secret. The research
performs undercover and is not allowed to expose his true identity and character. In addition,
this is very useful method to avoid making the subjects aware that they are being observed. It
helps to avoid the Hawthorne Effect to affect the study. Through such, the researcher can gather
a more precise data about the participants. It results to high validity of the information
recorded. Several researchers have been using this method to gather information about certain
group of people which will not be possible if they are not doing undercover. While this is
indeed an effective observational method, this also comes with an impediment. A major
drawback of this method is that it may involve certain ethical issues while conducting a
research. Since the observer is gathering data without the knowledge of the subjects, he may
acquire information without their consent. Also, the researcher may also be subjected to
dangerous activities just to be able to gather data.

 Discuss one possible hindrance that observation could not provide output.

One of the major things that a researcher avoids while conducting observation method is
influencing the behavior of the subjects because of their existence. This may alter the results
significantly and may render the information gathered useless. However, as much as the
researchers want to not have an effect to the subjects, there are numerous cases that the
Hawthorne Effect is not avoided. In turn, this serves a big hindrance to provide an output out
the research. Hawthorne Effect happens when the people under observation tries to restrict,
improve, or change their behavior just because of the thought that they may be evaluated or
observed. It is considered to be inevitable when using humans as subjects for research. Because
of this, there are number of researchers who prefer to use method like covert to avoid such
effect.
 Discuss the value of observation in a research project.

Observation is essential in a research project because helps the researchers to examine the
significance and importance of a certain project. It is more than just looking at things, but it is
the perception of a situation and how does it affect or influence its surroundings. There are so
many references available from books and other publications but learning and acquiring
information through observing an environment is higher in validity. This helps a researcher to
understand a concept deeper and clearer. It provided a more precise information about the
people and their actions. Moreover, it is the simplest method because it does not use much of
technical processes. In fact, it can easily be initiated through the basic senses of a person.