SOCIOL 2Z03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Field Experiment, Participant Observation, Ethnography
Document Summary
Very similar when talked about interviews, our basis of analysis and data is based off of that structured observation setting. Most cases we have one observer or even a group of observers, recording information about what you are seeing is sometimes hard based off of the amount of observers you have in relation to the sample size. Eliminates some problems found in survey research, such as misunderstanding the meaning of the terms used in the survey, memory problems, social desirability effect. Not worried about memory problems in terms of ppl recounting their thoughts, and feelings, but as an observer you have to remember to have a strong lapse of recall to ensure data is translated correctly. Immersion in a particular social setting for an extended period time, depending on level of participation you can be more or less involved in the ppl you are observing. To determine meanings that people give to their environment.