Participant observation facts for kids

Participant observation is a special way to learn about a group of people. It means a researcher lives with them in their normal daily life. They do this to truly understand how that group lives.

The main goal is to see the world from the group's point of view. Researchers watch what people do every day. The result of this study is usually a detailed report. This report is called an ethnography. Researchers might live with a group for a few months or even many years. The longer they stay, the more they learn.

In the early 1900s, scientists called anthropologists started using this method. Famous ones include Bronislaw Malinowski, Margaret Mead, and Edward Evans-Prichard. Now, participant observation is a main way that cultural anthropologists do their research.

Studying in Secret: Covert Observation

Sometimes, a researcher lives with a group but does not tell them they are being studied. This is called covert participation observation. It means the research is done in secret.

This method can be good because people act naturally. They do not change their behavior if they do not know they are being watched. However, there is a problem with this method. It can be unethical. This means it might not be fair or right. The people being studied cannot give their consent (permission) because they do not know about the study.

Telling Them: Overt Observation

In overt participation observation, the researcher tells the group they are studying them. This way, everyone knows what is happening.

One challenge with this method is that people might act differently. If they know they are being watched, they might not behave as they normally would. But, overt observation avoids the ethical problems of secret studies. It also lets the researcher ask questions and understand why people do certain things.

See also

In Spanish: Observación participante para niños