Answered: What are representative weaknesses of…

Social Psychology (10th Edition)

10th Edition

ISBN:9780134641287

Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers

Publisher:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers

Chapter1: Introducing Social Psychology

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ1

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What are representative weaknesses of participant observations?

Expert Solution

Step 1

Participant observation refers to a qualitative data collection process used in sociological, anthropological, and ethnographic studies. In this process, the researcher collects data about a group or community by participating in their cultural and other activities and observing them from proximity.

Step 2

The weaknesses of the participant observation method of sociological research are as follows-

It can be a time-consuming process.
The researcher may influence the participant's behavior by participating himself.
The original members of the group may not fully accept or feel comfortable around the researcher.
The researcher may get too involved to maintain the boundary between a researcher and the respondents.
Researchers with specialized knowledge in a specific field might find it difficult to interact and become members of all types of groups.
The researcher might fail to record all the points as participant observation requires multitasking skills.
Many scholars consider Covert participant observation unethical because it involves lying to the respondents and participating in research studies without their consent.