Participant Observation

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When it comes to the disadvantages of participant observation as a research methodology, the researcher's primary concern is time. Participant observation can be a time-consuming method of data gathering. The reading mentioned a study conducted by Whyte that took fours years to complete. Time becomes a matter if the researcher is not particularly sure of what he is looking for his study and can recognize specific details. There must be time allotted to record your findings and get research problems answered (Hagan, 2010). For the researcher, there will be issues such will the investigator be accepted by the group in which they are intended to study. Also overly identifying with the panel or disliking the group of study can raise a level …show more content…

The researcher may have to deceive individuals to gain the data needed for study, as well as the possibility of having to get in involved in illegal or immoral activities while conducting research. These type of actions by the researcher could lead to biases in the study. The investigator may begin to sympathize with the group. There is also the possibility of not being able to generalize the data due to small sample size (Windsor, 2016). The primary goal for participant observation is to stay focus on the task at hand. During my time in the police department, I have worked several undercover operations and have been put in some dangerous situations. When working with particular groups, you will be asked to do certain things, in an attempt to prove your loyalty. If you are not ready to be put in those types of situations, you must be honest with yourself and your supervisors and only say no. For the researcher who wants to get the full experience, when it comes to their study. The researcher must be honest with themselves and know that they can associate and relate to the group. However, you do not have to become one of them. You must maintain some level of professionalism, remember that you there for a reason. You have to bear in mind that you are there to do a

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