Ethnography and participant observation
What is one of the main disadvantages of using the covert role in ethnography?
It can be hard to gain access to the social group
It is difficult to take notes without arousing suspicion
The problem of reactivity: people may change their behaviour if they know they are being observed
It is usually too time consuming and expensive to be a realistic option
It is difficult to take notes without arousing suspicion
Carrying out an ethnographic study under cover creates a number of practical and ethical problems, including the difficulty of recording one’s observations without arousing suspicion. On the other hand, it does mean that the group members are not aware of being studied and so will behave fairly “naturalistically”. Although it is quite difficult, often, to gain access to a particular group, the attempt to do so is overt (open) rather than covert (secret). Many researchers try to avoid the covert role on ethical grounds because it does not provide participants with the opportunity to consent to the research.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 427, Key concept 19.2
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 427, Key concept 19.2
It is difficult to take notes without arousing suspicion Carrying out an ethnographic study under cover creates a number of practical and ethical problems, including the difficulty of recording one’s observations without arousing suspicion. On the other hand, it does mean that the group members are not aware of being studied and so will behave fairly “naturalistically”. Although it is quite difficult, often, to gain access to a particular group, the attempt to do so is overt (open) rather than covert (secret). Many researchers try to avoid the covert role on ethical grounds because it does not provide participants with the opportunity to consent to the research.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 427, Key concept 19.2
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 427, Key concept 19.2
Related posts
What is the name of the role adopted by an ethnographer who joins in with the group’s activities but admits to being a researcher?A. Complete participant
B. Participant-as-observer
C. Observer-as-participant
D. Complete observer
Why does Stacey argue against the idea of a feminist ethnography?
A. Because it creates a non-exploitative relationship between the researcher and the researched
B. Because she fundamentally disagrees with all feminist principles
C. Because she thinks that the fieldwork relationship is inherently unequal
D. Because she does not think that ethnography is a useful research method
What is the difference between “scratch notes” and “full field notes”?
A. Scratch notes are just key words and phrases, rather than lengthy descriptions
B. Full field notes are quicker and easier to write than scratch notes
C. Scratch notes are written at the end of the day rather than during key events
D. Full field notes do not involve the researcher scratching their head while thinking
What is a key informant?
A. A group member who helps the ethnographer gain access to relevant people/events
B. A senior level member of the organisation who refuses to allow researchers into it
C. A participant who appears to be helpful but then blows the researcher’s cover
D. Someone who cuts keys to help the ethnographer gain access to a building
Is it okay to break the law in order to maintain a “cover”?
A. Yes, provided it is not very serious
B. No, never under any circumstances
C. Yes, because otherwise data on criminal activity would never come to light
D. Yes, provided it doesn’t cause physical harm to someone
Which of the following is a component of ethnographic research?
A. Being immersed in a social group or setting
B. Participant observation, interviews, and/or documentary analysis
C. A written account of an ethnographic study
D. All of the above
What is meant by the term “going native”?
A. Doing ethnography as a participant observer
B. Accepting a job in an organization previously studied by the ethnographer
C. Trying to learn to speak a foreign language as well as a native speaker
D. Over identifying with the group and losing research perspective
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