Participant Observation in Research: Phases and Scenarios
Participant Observation: Phases and Scenario Selection
Similarly, the difficulty of addressing certain issues can influence the selection of one technique over another to supplement direct observation and reporting. The number of individuals or groups in the course of implementing interviews is also a factor. Participant observation can be understood as a twofold process:
- Progressive access of researchers to higher levels of participation in the observed field.
- While the observation will define and focus on the most relevant aspects to adequately cover the subject matter.
This dual process shows a clear convergence with the three phases proposed by Spradley:
- Descriptive Phase: Providing the researcher with guidelines for addressing the observation situation and reducing complexity to begin the necessary process of realization.
- Targeting of Observation Phase: Focusing on the problems and processes essential to the object of study.
- Selective Observation Phase: Developed in the final stage of fieldwork and directed at finding additional empirical evidence of the kinds of practices and processes identified in the previous phase.
But before launching the process, it is essential to make a documentary tracking of all documents that allow us to have more knowledge about the field to which we are approaching. The duration is long, and it is hard to get funding. However, if we have obtained financial support, fieldwork can be really satisfying and rewarding for the researcher.
Scenario Selection in Participant Observation
Scenarios vary in their relevance to understanding the social phenomenon under study. Therefore, a judicious selection of the scenarios is particularly important as a guarantee of successful research. A scenario is any space where the researcher can find expressions of social reality that focuses their interest.
It is advisable to evaluate the suitability of those who meet accessibility conditions, facilitate empathy between observer and observed, and allow the successful registration of information related to the research object. The experience of the researcher and ethical responsibility are the only limits to achieving this ideal scenario.
Criteria for Choosing a Scenario
The choice of a scenario must meet:
- The theoretical assumptions set by the researcher, allowing the balance between the desirable and the possible.
- The practice and experience of the investigator may advise changing the settings chosen previously; this is a relatively common situation.
- In the case of ignorance, practical guidance will make the selection of the scenario or scenarios easier.
- Access and penetration opportunities therein, and the role to be played by the observer, will determine the scenario.
These criteria rely heavily on the skills of the observer, so experience in adapting to new situations is of great importance.
Approaches to Participant Observation
On the avenues of approach or presentation, we cannot speak of the existence of master formulas. They cover a broad spectrum of options ranging from concealment from observation to open presentation, through various intermediate situations, such as the position of an explicit observer with undeclared objectives. The key to success is to enter on the right foot and empathize with those observed. This task requires tact, sensitivity, and social skills, avoiding putting pressure at the time of recording information and taking an active part in this process of interaction to achieve the respect and sympathy of those observed.
The principle of covert observation lies in the fact that people may change how they behave when they know they are being observed, which may substantially affect the results of observation. This premise justifies the concealment of the role of the observer/researcher but can cause ethical problems for the investigator. On occasion, it would be difficult to bear the fact of recognizing oneself as a “fraud,” and that can seriously affect the way of proceeding.