... Espinal 1 Part A (2) Participant observation, for many years, has been a hallmark anthropological study. In recent years, the field of education has seen an increase in the number of qualitative studies that include participant observation as a way to collect information. Qualitative methods of data collection, such as interviewing, observation, and document analysis, have been included under the umbrella term of "ethnographic methods" in recent years Aspects of observation discussed herein include various definitions of participant observation, some history of its use, the purposes for which such observation is used, the stances or roles of the observer, and additional information about when, what, and how to observe It is also a structured type of research strategy. It is a widely used methodology in many disciplines, particularly, cultural anthropology. Its aim is to gain a close and intimate familiarity with a given group of individuals (such cultural group, or a particular community) and their practices through an intensive involvement with people in their natural environment, usually over an extended period of time. Observation methods are useful to anthropologists in a variety of ways. They provide researchers with ways to check for nonverbal expression of feelings, determine who interacts with whom, grasp how participants communicate with each other, and check for how much time is spent on various activities. Participant observation allows researchers to...
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...sensitive issue. There are no visual aids and no body language during the time that the survey is taken. The qualitative survey is done by holding focus groups and one-on-one interviews. In focus groups, people can exchange ideas but peer pressure may affect the answers of each individual. One-on-one interviews has no peer pressure influence but costs quite a lot and takes a lot more time to gather data. The field study group decided to conduct the research by holding focus groups. Eleven focus groups are picked from five neighborhoods in Boston. The field study group found out that storytelling is more relatable than celebrities advertise for anti-drugs. Participants also mentioned that they are most influenced by family members. With the time and budget constraints, the field study group did well in screening the participants for the focus groups. They also made use of the community centers which is a great place to find children and teenagers. However, they could not pick a focus group from each...
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...provide a series of ‘snippets’ of information that should broaden and deepen students’ knowledge of this subject area. This document is designed primarily to extend students’ learning and should be completed in conjunction with other course material such as textbooks. Students should click on the links and answer the questions, expanding the boxes as they go. |Participant observation, grounded theory and action research | | | |Click on the Wikipedia entry for participant observation: | |http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Participant_observation | | | |What is participant observation? | | | | ...
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...manipulates an aspect of the environment in order to assess the effect it has on the participants’ behavior. Experiments can take the form of lab experiments (done in a controlled environment), filed experiments (done in a natural setting but still observe the IV and DV) and natural experiment (done in a natural setting and the researcher waits for the IV and DV occur). Positivists favor primary data and they want to use quantitative to test their theories, whereas interprevists prefer qualitative data to find meanings that people attach to the world. Sociologists are unlikely to use experiments because have practical limitations, such as being expensive, time consuming and difficult to conduct. Society is too complex to fit in a laboratory so experiments are not relevant to the study of human behavior. Therefore for practical considerations are an important reason why they are not often used by sociologists. However, they have some practical strength. As they use a methodology that mirrors the natural sciences. Hypotheses can be created and variable isolated in order to establish causes and effect relationships e.g. in bandura’s experiment the hypotheses ‘violent imagery causes violent behavior’. Was used to isolate variable and establish that exposure to violent imagery (causes) led to more violent behavior. Experiments tend to be unethical as by their nature they manipulate participants under certain conditions for them to work. Most lack informed consent because if people...
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...Sociology A) A fixed list of categories based on characteristic/ behaviours, often ticked at regular time intervals by the observer. B) –Unlike non-participant observation, participant observation ensures that there is next to no room for the researcher to take a subjective opinion when recording observations, meaning they will probably be more accurate, and true to life. C) Informed consent is unlikely to have been achieved if no one knows that they are being observed, this is not good because they do not know what the observation entails, so it is impossible for them to give their consent. Hand in hand with this is deception, if the observation is being carried out without the participants knowing, then the observer is lying to them about who they are if it is participant observation, or have left them completely in the dark if it is non participant observation, either way the participant is not aware of what is actually happening, as a direct response to the observers’ actions. D) Overt observation is where the group being observed is fully aware that they are being studied; whereas in a covert observation the research group is unaware that they are being studied. One practical issue with using an overt observation is gaining access to particular groups to research. For example, if the group the observer wishes to study is involved in illegal activities or is some sort of gang, i.e. football hooligans/ Patrick gang study, then they may refuse to be studied if asked...
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...Many sociologists argue that theoretical issues are the most important factors to affect choice of method. Theoretical issues refer to what we think society is like and if we can obtain an accurate and truthful picture of it. There are four different concerns regarding theoretical issues which influence sociologist’s choice of research methods. Validity is a method that gives a true or genuine picture of what something is really like, which helps the researcher easily find out the truth. Sociologists argue that the use of qualitative methods such as Participant Observation gives a more valid, truthful account as it provides us with a deeper insight through firsthand experience. The next issue that influences sociologist’s choice is reliability which comes from Latin, replica meaning an exact copy of something. This results in the method being able to be repeated and creates a less bias and more accurate research again and again. Quantitative methods such as written questionnaires can be used as they are more reliable results than qualitative methods such as unstructured interviews. Another theoretical issue is representativeness which refers to how much of the characteristics you are looking for is represented by the people being studied. For example if a sociologist is researching single parent homes, you will not interview nuclear families, because they are not representing the variables they are looking for. Similarly if someone is investigating delinquency, they will not...
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...Qualitative Research Article Critique Marianne Green Grand Canyon University Introduction to Nursing Research NRS 433V July 21, 2012 Qualitative Research Article Critique Deciding to proceed with a surgical procedure is not always easy to achieve. Financial concerns are considered due to the time off of work that is necessary for the recovery process. Reduction in income due to surgical procedures can place a hardship on society as well as the patient. The following paper is a critique of a qualitative research article published in 2010 by BMC Gastroenterology titled “Assessing factors influencing return back to work after cholecystectomy” (Keus, De Vries, Gooszen, & Van Laarhoven, 2010). Problem Statement For the past one-hundred years open cholecystectomy (OC) was considered a safe surgical standardized procedure. Then in the 1970’s came the small incision cholecystectomy (SIC) which had a significant decrease in post-operative complications. Before the SIC could really gain popularity, came the laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The LC procedure soon gained immense popularity and became the surgery of choice. However, both SIC and LC procedures are preferred because they typically require less hospital stay and quicker return to work times (Keus et al., 2010). This study was conducted due to the increase in financial burden on society due to the increase in indirect costs associated with the employee’s sick leave. The clinical problem is the extended...
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...Measuring Customer Satisfaction Week 3: Paper Submitted by: Rich De Guzman rich.deguzman32@gmail.com BSOP 588: Managing Quality Instructor: Richard Sheng September 22, 2013 Introduction Being able to provide the best customer satisfaction should be the basis for a company and their vision to succeed. Good customer satisfaction can result in confidence in the company’s products and services however; great customer satisfaction can result in more and new sales or volume. Many companies use different metrics and methods to measure customer satisfaction. This paper will explore a few measures that I have researched and how it correlates to my company or company I used to work for in addition to some recommendations. Identification of best practices One of the most commonly used methods to measure customer satisfaction is by conducting a survey. According to TechRupublic, a survey “allows you to quantify the subjective perceptions of the clients by asking them to convert their perceptions into a numerical rating. The ratings then help the project team better understand how they performed” (TechRadar, 2007). I agree in that surveys do a good job of gathering information so that companies can gain knowledge on how to act and improve their overall customer satisfaction. There are many survey methods out there such as internal and external surveys. This can be deployed in a wide range such as a multiple choice or short answer structure. Many I have seen are surveys...
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...of observation. Firstly, we can distinguish between non-participant observation and participant observation. Non-participant observation involves the researcher simply observing the group or event without taking part in it. Participant observation involves the researcher actually taking part in the event or everyday life of the group while observing it. Secondly, we can distinguish between overt observation and covert observation. Overt observations refer to the researcher being open about their intentions in the field and ensuring all members of the social group are aware of what is happening. Covert observations involve the researcher not informing members of the group the reason for their presence; keeping their true intentions secret. In this essay I am going to focus mainly on overt observation. Firstly, I am going to focus on the practical advantages of overt observation. Overt participant observation may give access to groups who could not be studied covertly because the researcher does not have the same characteristics as the group. Overt participant observation makes it possible to gain access to groups where the researcher does not have the usual qualifications for entry such as being the right age, gender or ethnicity. The fact the researcher is involved with the group they are studying in an open way means it is relatively easy to generate and record data, especially in comparison with covert participant observation where the fact of being in the group secretly...
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...stimulates thoughts and emotions which are not ordinarily forthcoming in an individual interview, or through the examination of how people behave. Focus Group Business Research More structured approach Active moderator More use of stimulus Pre-defined questions Emphasis on content Academic Research Less controled Moderator facilitator Emphasis in the discussion among participants Focus on the process Less participants per group Focus Group Phase I: Planning Three Phase Process Phase II: Conducting Sessions Phase III: Analyzing & Reporting Focus Group Phase I: Planning PLANNING THE FOCUS GROUP 1. Generating questions – the focus group guide 2. Definition of groups 3. Participant Recruitment 4. Logistics and Agenda Focus Group Phase I: Planning 1.1. Focus group guide development • Think about the problem • Brainstorming • Five to six major topics • Open-ended questions • Careful with “Why?” questions • Avoid dichotomous questions Focus Group Phase I: Planning 1.1. Focus group guide development • Use questions that get participants involved (reflection, examples, choices, rating scales, drawings, etc). • Ordered from general to specific • Distinguish “nice-to-know” from “need-to-know” questions • Test questions, obtain feedback from other people Focus Group Phase I: Planning 1.1. Focus group guide...
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...Gathering Research in Criminal Justice Law enforcement officers and officials have a very strenuous job and even life style. Many things go into being a police officer and even more behind it. Research plays a crucial role in criminal justice in statistics, measuring crime rates, and on the job hazards or satisfaction. There are indeed many areas to look into but I believe that an officers job hazards would be the main focus in my research. The goal of researching law enforcement hazards would be to identify the risks of the job and in doing this, weighing those options with possible options to reduce risk or to just be aware of it and be mindful of what these risks can pertain. For example before you take a trip to the beach, researching the weather and knowing of any possible conditions that can occur before you travel would give you a better idea of the trip and if it's worth going or needing to be postponed. There are different types of interviews and the interview structure involved needs to be catered to the audience selected and the type of information needing to be gathered. Interviews from an actual police officer are an ideal method of gathering information needed concerning police job hazards. An officer would be able to give his or her first hand experience and knowledge. Interviews can be informal with the purpose being learning about the industry, company, people, skills required, cultural fit, and perhaps generating additional avenues of research...
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...Types of Research Types of Research Advantages of Questioners Practical, large amounts of information can be collected from a large number of people in a short period of time and in a relatively cost effective way, Can be carried out by the researcher or by any number of people with limited affect to its validity and reliability, The results of the questionnaires can usually be quickly and easily quantified by either a researcher or through the use of a software package. Can be analysed more 'scientifically' and objectively than other forms of research. When data has been quantified, it can be used to compare and contrast other research and may be used to measure change Advantages of Focus Groups A focus group is a useful method that can be used to measure the reaction of customers to a company’s new product or to the company’s strategies. Focus groups usually provide immediate ideas for the improvement of particular products or concepts. They also help identify the product requirements of end users as well as other needs not addressed by the company and its competitors. In addition the focus groups provide insights on the current position of the company’s competitors in the mind of the customer, as well as measuring the reaction of customers to a product’s design, packaging, price and message. Advantages of Internet Research Internet research is a useful method of research for a company, the main advantage is that it’s faster for the company to obtain without hassle...
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...Camila Madeo Cultural Anthropology 207 August 28,2015 Neighborhood Tokyo Exercise 1. What does the Anthropologist do? What are two methods he uses in his research? Anthropologist Theodor C. Bestor immerses himself into the culture and community within the neighborhood of Miyamoto in order to learn through them. Bestor conducts fieldwork and participant observation. In doing so Theodor Bestor learns the local habits, custom and even the language of the people of Miyamoto to become fully involved. Bestor visits Miyamoto almost routinely and engages with all aspects that belong to the people of Miyamoto, which include participating in festivals, contributing to neighborhood market shops and even making good friends with the people of the neighborhood. 2. The Miyamoto neighborhood has both physical and spiritual boundaries. How are those boundaries marked? The area of local business and shops, far from the greater global market force, marks some of the physical boundaries of Miyamoto. The shops in Miyamoto deal mainly with daily goods. Another physical boundary is that of the houses and apartments marked by close and narrow passageways inaccessible by car and fire equipment. A spiritual boundary of Miyamoto is marked my sacred shrines important throughout festivals and parades specific to celebrations. 3. People of Miyamoto celebrate several rituals over the course of the year. What’s one of those rituals? What happens during the ritual? One of the many rituals...
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...A participant observation is where the researcher takes part in the event that they are observing or the everyday life of the group whilst observing it. There are two different types of participant observation. One type of participant observation is an overt observation, this is when the researcher makes the participants aware that they are taking part in an the observation. A strength of participant observations are ecologically valid. Rather than gathering quantitative data from participants answering questionnaires, when there is no guarantee that they are giving accurate answers, participant observation provides high amounts of qualitative data and the researcher can go into greater detail. By observing the groups of individuals sociologists can gain more of a comprehensive understanding of their behaviours and opinions. A overt observation investigating the attitudes of the police is more likely to produce natural behaviour, rather than if they were taken into a lab, They may become accustom to the observations, and act as they usually would. Validity is a major strength of participant observation as if results are true to life, they can be generalised and used objectively. This means that the findings are going to show an accurate portrayal of how the police force work and what attitudes and beliefs they uphold. The Hawthorne effect has a major impact on the results of overt participant observation. When investigating the police openly, the police officers may change...
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...Participant observation is a primary method in which the sociologist studies a group by taking a role within it and participating in it's activities. It may be over, where other participants are aware if the researchers true identity and motive. Over participant observation has a number if potential weakness or limitations. These range from the relativity mundane - including the amounts if time and expense involved, through possible problems with data interpretation to more serious questions about the researchers actual levels of involvement in the group and the extent to which this May be considered a naturalistic method if research. Data interpretation problems can include deciding which observation - among many- are significant. Another thing, any social group has many things happening at the same time. It is difficult for the researcher to observe anyone. Decisions have to be made about who to observe and when to observe them significant evidence may be missed, leading to invalid interpretations if the groups behaviour. Involvement with a group may be too superficial, given that one of the purposes if participant observation is to experience the world from the viewpoint of the people being studied. Is the researcher does not become sufficiently involved with the group then this type of data might not be collected. An example might be observation of a group involved in criminal activities. Clearly to understand how and why people commit crimes it would be necessary to...
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