What are the strengths of non participant observation?

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Some General Advantages of Structured Non Participant Observation

It is easier for the researcher to blend into the background compared to participant observation, which should mean people act more naturally.
It should have better reliability than with participant observation because the research is less involved.

What is a strength of covert observation?

Advantages of covert observation It does not disturb the normal behaviour of the group so there is higher validity. It allows the observer to dig deeper into the groups’ behaviour. It gives access to certain secret behavior of the group. Interviewer bias can be avoided. No prior knowledge of social incidence is …

What are the strengths and weaknesses of covert observation?

An advantage of covert observation is that it should be high in validity, as people are observed in natural surroundings, and – as they are unaware of being observed – the Hawthorne Effect is avoided. However, a disadvantage of covert observation is that it raises a number of ethical concerns.

What is the main advantage of covert participant observation?

Advantages of covert participant observation Gaining access, especially to closed groups, is much easier because the researcher does not have to seek permission. Reactivity is not a problem – if respondents are not aware research is taking place, they are less likely to act differently.

What is covert non-participant observation?

Covert non-participant observation refers to observing research subjects without them knowing that they are being observed at all. Sometimes researchers pretend to be customers or passers-by, or even use one-way mirrors, for example.

What are the pros and cons of participant observation?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Participant Observation

Validity – produces rich qualitative data which shows picture of how people really live.
Insight – Allows researcher to gain empathy through personal experience .
Flexibility – more flexible and allows for an open mind.

What are the disadvantages of covert observation?

Disadvantages

Time consuming.
Difficult to gain access.
Gamekeeper.
Informed Consent.
Deception.
Protection from harm.
Legality.
Difficult to repeat.

Are covert observations reliable?

Participant observation (whether overt or covert) is not the most reliable research method. Such studies are, by their very nature, impossible to repeat and the data they produce is simply the opinion of one observer.

Is covert research ethical?

Covert research is research which is not declared to the research participants or subjects. This is often muddled with deception, and condemned as intrinsically unethical. The basis of that condemnation is a legitimate concern with the rights of research subjects.

What are the weaknesses of participant observation?

What Are Its Disadvantages?

It can be very time consuming.
It generates a vast amount of data.
By participating in activities, the researcher can inadvertently influence the other participants’ behavior.
Active involvement in the group can cause the researcher to lose objectivity and may lead to bias.

What are the advantages of observation method?

Advantages of Observation:

(1) Simplest Method:
(2) Useful for Framing Hypothesis:
(3) Greater Accuracy:
(4) An Universal Method:
(5) Observation is the Only Appropriate Tool for Certain Cases:
(6) Independent of People’s Willingness to Report:
(1) Some of the Occurrences may not be Open to Observation:

Is covert participant observation reliable?

Covert observations my be the only way to access groups to research. They are detailed and have higher reliability than overt but do have a number of problems making them difficult to carry out such as ethical reasons.