Participant Observation Essay -- participant-observer

Participant Observation Participant Observation is the study of a culture or society usually carried out by living for an extended period of time with its members. The participant-observer takes part in everyday life and carefully records such things as behaviour, events and conversations, in order to obtain a fully rounded picture of beliefs, social groupings and customs. There are two different forms of Participant Observation: Overt observation is when the subjects are aware they are being observed and allow the observer in to their lives, this is often the most criticised form due to bias, Covert observation is when the subjects are not aware they are being observed and therefore the process has to remain secret to remain relevant. The main benefit of Participant Observation as a means of research is the deeper experience and insight of the activities and customs of particular societies that the observer gains. They become immersed into a particular culture and surroundings in an effort to gain a greater understa...