Sociology / Unit 2 Soc 0166 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Participant Observation
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The idea
In participant observation a researcher joins the group being studied, taking part in its activities while systematically recording what occurs.
In practice
A sociologist studying a neighborhood association attends meetings, joins cleanup days, and writes field notes after each one.
Where people slip
Joining changes the group and the researcher; both effects belong in the report.
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