Transcript CHAPTER SEVEN: PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION AND CASE …

CHAPTER SEVEN
PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION
AND CASE STUDIES
Participant Observation

Participant observation is the observation and
participation in a group’s activities - in its natural
setting.

It is also known as: ethnography, field studies, and/or
the verstehen approach.

It is based on a grounded theory approach: an
approach that develops a theory as data is collected as
opposed to being predetermined.

A few examples of those who use participant
observations include: researchers, journalists, and law
enforcement.
Types of
Participant Observation

Complete Participation – participation and manipulation, i.e.,
disguised observations.

Participant as Observer – an attempt to objectively observe
activities of the group.

Observer as Participant – in-depth interviews.

Complete Observation – experimental and unobtrusive
measures.
** Distinctions cannot always be made between unobtrusive
studies, field studies, and participant as observer “types.”
Characteristics or “Qualities”
of Participant Observation

Demands on time and personal cost (personal involvement).

The participant observer must be two dimensional, i.e.,
maintain objectivity despite becoming an insider.

Avoid over-socialization, i.e., “going native.” For example,
police undercover operations.
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Avoid over-identification with the study group and aversion to
it, i.e., remain objective despite personal subjective bias –
“don’t be judgmental.”
Procedures of
Participant Observation
“There is no one and only method
of participant observation.”

Recording methods: field notes/diaries, mnemonics, recordings,
and photographs. Know when and where to do these activities –
the primary objective is to observe and listen.
Use with caution, rapport is more important that recording
results, i.e., avoid questions and note taking – this makes people
nervous and creates a disturbance within the group setting.

Know the jargon (“argot”) of the group to be studied in order to
gain access. There is a variety of strategies to gain access, i.e.,
status and gatekeepers are possible sources.
Other Participant Observation
Procedures (Cont’d)

Identify the true purpose of the study with the group
– announcement of intentions.

Snowball sampling – develop subjects through
introductions of former subjects, i.e., gatekeepers.

Reciprocity – mutual obligation, i.e., what is owed.
Other Participant Observation
Procedures (Cont’d)

Protect individual identities if possible, i.e.,
pseudonyms or aliases.
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Avoid criminal activity.

Validate Findings, i.e., interviews, police and legal
officials, documents, and other case histories.
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Some examples include: Skinheads, Idaho Christian
Patriots, Underworld figures, motorcycle gangs, etc.
Discussion
Using Hamm’s Skinheads and
Jankowski’s gang studies
discuss some of the potential dangers as well as
prospects of studying deviant groups
on their turf.
Advantages of
Participant Observations

Sensitizing – “verstehen” strategy

Less prejudgments
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Less disturbing as compared to an experimental design
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Greater flexibility

An excellent means of obtaining detailed qualitative data

Natural setting
Disadvantages of
Participant Observations

Time consuming

Expensive

Over-identification or dislike of the group being studied

Problem with gaining access and acceptance

Ethical dilemmas, i.e., privacy, illegal activities - criminality,
confidentiality, and reciprocity

Observer bias or subjectivity

Yields non-quantitative data – an analytical issue
CASE STUDIES
(Observer as Participant)

Case studies focus on single individuals, groups, or
communities – a few illustrative cases

Case studies employ historical documents, oral
histories, in-depth interviews, and participant
observations.
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Primary advantages: in-depth qualitative; view of one
or a few subjects.

Primary disadvantages: Subjectivity, researcher bias,
and cases that are atypical.
Question/Discussion
Of what importance have case studies been
in criminological/criminal justice research?
Explain
And,
Provide examples that have
used this approach.
Single-Subject Designs
(Complete Observation)

Quantitative case studies that involve the longitudinal
measurement of a dependent variable on a single
subject, i.e., a time interval that utilizes a baseline
period and a measurement period (Not the same as
X’s and O’s with the traditional group design). Single
subject intervention v. group study – more clinical.

More of a clinical approach and has a major problem
with generalizability; however, replication is a
possible solution.