An individual takes an active role in the culture and society they are studying.
An overt observation in when a participant knows that they are being observed and the purpose behind the observation. This method of observation means that participants can be followed to different locations as fully informed consent can be given with no need for deception. However as the participant knows that they are being followed, it is likely that there will be a high chance of demand characteristics as they will wish to please the observer.
How does this poem illustrate the importance of observation in the scientific method
The scientific method uses observation and experimentation to answer questions
A step in the scientific method that requires you to use your senses to obtain information is the making an observation step.
Scientific Method
fieldwork
Ethnography.
Participant observation
true
Non-participant, or direct, observation is where data are collected by observing behaviour without interacting with the participants. Participant observation is where data are collected by interacting with, and therefore experiencing, the phenomenon being studied.
Anthropology and sociology are the perspectives most likely to use participant observation as a research method. This method involves immersing oneself in the culture or community being studied to gain a deep understanding of their practices, beliefs, and social interactions. Participant observation is particularly valuable for studying behavior and social norms within a specific context.
An ethnography is a qualitative research method that involves studying a culture or group of people through participant observation, interviews, and detailed fieldwork. It focuses on understanding the social and cultural aspects of a particular group, rather than collecting numerical data for statistical analysis.
The four main methods for collecting research data are surveys/questionnaires, interviews, observations, and experiments. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, and researchers may choose the most appropriate method based on their research questions and objectives.
Participant observation
to collect qualitative data
Participant observation is a research method used in social sciences where the researcher immerses themselves in the group or community being studied, actively participating in their activities and interactions while also observing and taking notes. This method allows for a deep understanding of the group's culture, behavior, and dynamics.
Ethnography and participant observation are widely recognized methods of qualitative research, both of which involve studying communities or groups over an extended period by conducting interviews and observations. Ethnography is a broader term that encompasses unstructured observation of behavior, followed by in-depth, informal discussions and interviews with those being studied. Historically, ethnographies have served as a means to explore culture and life within specific communities, offering comprehensive descriptions of their traditions and events. These accounts typically aim to portray the community from an internal perspective, reflecting the viewpoints of its members. Participant observation refers specifically to the observational aspect of ethnographic research, although the two terms generally describe a similar process of in-depth qualitative study. In both cases, the researcher becomes immersed in a particular social setting for an extended duration, often spanning years.