Participant observation provides more flexibility with regard to qualitative research than other methods that use this approach. Participant observation provides high levels of flexibility for researchers. It also provides the advantage of disproving specific ideas because of the direct observations that create data.Ģ. Because each person involved in this work gets to see these social encounters personally, the first-hand information becomes useful to prove the validity of proposed theories. It allows researchers to receive a clear picture of how people are living and interacting with each other. The participant observation approach collects an abundant amount of qualitative data that is useful in a variety of postulations. It provides results that lend validity to a proposed theory. List of the Advantages of Participant Observationġ. Several advantages and disadvantages of participant observation are worth noting when approaching a qualitative research project. The first use of this method dates to the early 19th century when Joseph Marie stated that the “best way to get to know Indians (Native Americans) is to become like one of them, and it is by learning their language that we will become their fellow citizens.” Frank Cushing, Bronislaw Malinowski, and Margaret Meed were all extensive users of this collection option.
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Occupational, religious, and geographical demographics are common points of interest when evaluating communication studies, social psychology, or cultural anthropology.
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Several disciplines use this methodology as scholar-practitioners work to gain a close or intimate familiarity with a specific group of individuals in a targeted demographic.Īny community can become part of a participant observation method of data collection. Participant observation is a specific type of data collection typically used in ethnography or qualitative research.