Participant Observation

Question 1
What are some distinctive advantages of a qualitative strategy for data gathering, such as participant observation, over more quantitative approaches? What are some specific procedures followed by those conducting participant observation studies? Discuss some of the special considerations participant observers must be aware of when studying criminals in field settings.

Answer The process of participant observation allows the researcher to study and gather data in various ways. For many years participant observation has been the baseline used in numerous fields of study such as anthropology and sociology. However, in more recent years there has an increase in the number of qualitative studies for information and data gathering purposes. There are several advantages to participant observation such as:

• It affords access to the "backstage culture".

• It allows for richly detailed description, which they interpret to mean that one's goal of describing "behaviors, intentions, situations, and events as understood by one's informants" is highlighted.

• It provides opportunities for viewing or participating in unscheduled events. (Kawulich, 2005)

Participant observation was formed from the theory of symbolic interactionism. This theory assumes that people are constantly in a stage of interpretation and definition.

One important practice that is essential in field studies is the keeping of extensive and detailed field notes. Good note taking is key to a successful field study. A good investigator records observation as often as possible and does not rely upon memory. As much importance and time should be allotted to recording observations as to participating, observing, and gathering such information. (Hagan, 2018) Another special consideration would be visual criminology. Visual criminology consists of taking photographs during a field