research

Question)

Objectivity in Qualitative Methodology

Explain a research project which can only be done using participant-observation methodology. Why is it the best methodology?

You can answer for this question about 300 words or more….

Please make it perfect and it should be your original work!

No citation plz

There are two examples that students’ answer and professor’s response for this question. See below

EX1)

I will first address the second question – “Why is it the best methodology?”.

It is the best methodology because it is the most thorough. Participant-observation methodology is when one integrates him- or herself into the activities of a group that is being studied so as to understand them.

Reading about something or hearing other people’s opinions can give you a basic understanding of something. Being close to something and experiencing it for yourself is always the best way to fully understand though.

Through my personal experiences in life I find this to be true again and again.

That is why participant-observation methodology is the best methodology.

I would like to add as a side note that is does have its cons though. For example, It is more time consuming, and therefore may sometimes not be the best way to conduct a research.

If you can think of any other cons, please post them in the comments!

Now back to the first question posed.

A research project that can only be conducted using participant-observation methodology would be to understand the hierarchy of secluded tribes. Since these tribes live a life secluded from the rest of society and are oftentimes weary of outsiders, it is not possible to address them with online surveys, phone calls, or face-to-face interviews. I would choose a specific tribe that fits this parameter, and try to include myself in their activities. Only by doing so would I be able to fully understand how their hierarchy is constructed and what values are held high in their society.

Professor’s response1)

Please note: Participant-observation is NOT always the 'best' methodology. It all depends on your research question! If you choose participant-observation method, you cannot generalize your results but you will give an in-depth analysis of a group's behavior.

EX 2)

Using Participant-Observation Methodology in Researching Homeless

I am personally in favor of the participant-observation methodology since it produces qualitative data and analysis as opposed to quantitative or statistical. According to page 314, this type of metho Show More

I am personally in favor of the participant-observation methodology since it produces qualitative data and analysis as opposed to quantitative or statistical. According to page 314, this type of methodology is "not just a data-collecting activity" but "a theory-generating activity as well," which is why Symbolic Interactionists tend to use this method the most. Since quantitative data is limited to producing data and results that researchers ultimately generalize, it is not as effective as qualitative data which on the other hand provides rather in-depth analysis. However, this does not mean that it is always the best methodology; it really depends on the research question.  For instance, I have always wanted to perform a research project on homeless. If I wish to collect qualitative data regarding information such as why they are homeless, their daily activities, their values, morals and being homeless in general, using the participant-observation method would be ideal. It will generate the most accurate and in-depth analysis. However, if I were to simply collect quantitative or statistical data through surveys or experiments, I would only be able to generalize my results. An actual field observation and participating in their daily lives and activities can lead to many rare insights which can ultimately help gain better in-depth analysis on homeless. I believe that direct experience is crucial in accurately analyzing and ultimately understanding anything, whether it be individuals, groups or situations. In regards to actually performing this type of research project, page 338 mentions that "If you decide to take on the role of complete participant, you must find a way to develop an identity with the people to be studied. If you wish to study dishwashers in a restaurant, the most direct method would be to get a job as a dishwasher." Therefore, in performing this research project, I would become a homeless myself and interact with fellow homeless.

Professor’s response 2)

RE: Using Participant-Observation Methodology in Researching Homeless

You have to be careful Jo Sung because we cannot find out one reason for why they have become 'homeless' by doing participant-observation. There are many reasons and the question 'why' requires us to Show More

You have to be careful Jo Sung because we cannot find out one reason for why they have become 'homeless' by doing participant-observation. There are many reasons and the question 'why' requires us to make an argument for causation (cause and effect) that we just cannot provide by doing qualitative research.  Generalizing your results is great! Scientists (i.e. chemists or physicists, etc) are always engaged in research that is generalizable. In social sciences, we sometimes choose participant-observation to study a group's behavior in details so we can get insights. Because we cannot randomly select our subjects in a qualitative research methodology, we therefore cannot generalize our results.