What are the weaknesses of overt participant observation?

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
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What are the weaknesses of overt participant observation?

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One of the main methods used in social research is observation method whereby a given social phenomena or social group is analyzed first hand. The researcher or social scientist behaves as a part of the collectivity and becomes a part of the unit then this means he is active observer and insider's view is got in this case. The idea of active observation is further divided into covert and overt- with covert being the undercover whereby the participant and his motive of collecting data for research is not realized by the other members and they are under the impression that there is no motive behind his actions. Overt is when the other members of the group he is observing are aware that he is collecting data from the research by his association with the group and there is a purpose behind all of his actions. 

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