Participant Observation
Participant Observation
Immerse yourself in the lives and activities of the people and actively participate in their daily routines, rituals, and social interactions.
Immerse yourself in the lives and activities of the people and actively participate in their daily routines, rituals, and social interactions.
“….participant observation is not a single method but rather a characteristic style of research which makes use of a number of methods and techniques – observation, informant interviewing, document analysis, respondent interviewing and participation with self-analysis.”
“….participant observation is not a single method but rather a characteristic style of research which makes use of a number of methods and techniques – observation, informant interviewing, document analysis, respondent interviewing and participation with self-analysis.”
Simmons & McCall, Issues in Participant Observation; A Text and Reader
Simmons & McCall, Issues in Participant Observation; A Text and Reader
What is it?
What is it?
Participant observation has a long history in anthropology. The method can be traced back to the early days of anthropology when researchers like Bronisław Malinowski conducted fieldwork in the early 20th century. Malinowski's work with the Trobriand Islanders in Papua New Guinea is often cited as a seminal example of participant observation. Since then, many ethnographers and social scientists have employed this technique to gain insights into various settings and social groups.
Participant observation has a long history in anthropology. The method can be traced back to the early days of anthropology when researchers like Bronisław Malinowski conducted fieldwork in the early 20th century. Malinowski's work with the Trobriand Islanders in Papua New Guinea is often cited as a seminal example of participant observation. Since then, many ethnographers and social scientists have employed this technique to gain insights into various settings and social groups.
What to observe and participate?
What to observe and participate?
To gain a rich and embedded understanding, you should observe and participate in a wide range of activities, even those that might not seem directly related to your research questions at first. It's advisable to start broader to gain a picture of the dynamics and drill down to the aspect that stands out.
To gain a rich and embedded understanding, you should observe and participate in a wide range of activities, even those that might not seem directly related to your research questions at first. It's advisable to start broader to gain a picture of the dynamics and drill down to the aspect that stands out.
Daily routines
You may want to pay attention to the daily activities and routines of community members. This can include work, meals, rituals, and leisure time. You may then participate in these routines by joining in daily tasks, sharing meals, and participating in communal activities.
You may want to pay attention to the daily activities and routines of community members. This can include work, meals, rituals, and leisure time. You may then participate in these routines by joining in daily tasks, sharing meals, and participating in communal activities.
Social interactions
Observe how individuals interact with each other, the language they use, non-verbal communication, and the dynamics of social relationships. Attending social gatherings is a great way to understand the intricacies of social bonds.
Observe how individuals interact with each other, the language they use, non-verbal communication, and the dynamics of social relationships. Attending social gatherings is a great way to understand the intricacies of social bonds.
Ceremonies and rituals
Attend and observe any ceremonies, rituals, or special events that are significant to the community. Take note of the symbolism, traditions, and cultural expressions. Rituals can range from daily meetings in a work environment or toast speeches in celebrations.
Attend and observe any ceremonies, rituals, or special events that are significant to the community. Take note of the symbolism, traditions, and cultural expressions. Rituals can range from daily meetings in a work environment or toast speeches in celebrations.
Practices and beliefs
Explore the cultural practices, customs, and belief systems of the community. This includes folklore, religious practices, and any symbolic rituals. Engage in discussions about it with different people in your research fieldwork to get grasp the community's worldview.
Explore the cultural practices, customs, and belief systems of the community. This includes folklore, religious practices, and any symbolic rituals. Engage in discussions about it with different people in your research fieldwork to get grasp the community's worldview.
Spatial dynamics
You should also take note of the physical layout, the use of space, and how individuals navigate and interact within different locations. Participating in community events and gatherings in various spaces is a good way to gain a sense of the significance of different locations within the community.
You should also take note of the physical layout, the use of space, and how individuals navigate and interact within different locations. Participating in community events and gatherings in various spaces is a good way to gain a sense of the significance of different locations within the community.
Adaptation to change
It's easy to fall into thinking that the people you observe will always remain the same. Observe how they respond and adapt to external influences, social change, or economic shifts. This allows you to reflect on the participants' aspirations and dreams.
It's easy to fall into thinking that the people you observe will always remain the same. Observe how they respond and adapt to external influences, social change, or economic shifts. This allows you to reflect on the participants' aspirations and dreams.
Best practices
Immersion
Participant observation requires researchers to fully immerse themselves in the culture or community they are studying. This means spending an extended period of time within the community, participating in their daily activities, and building rapport with the members. Immersion allows the researcher to develop a deep understanding of the group's norms, values, and practices.
Participant observation requires researchers to fully immerse themselves in the culture or community they are studying. This means spending an extended period of time within the community, participating in their daily activities, and building rapport with the members. Immersion allows the researcher to develop a deep understanding of the group's norms, values, and practices.
Participant role
The position the researcher takes within the community during the observation can vary depending on the research goals and the dynamics of the community. In different situations, the researchers will have to continuously shift between being a full observer, full participant, and adaptive researcher. In any case, you should be transparent about your role and intentions within the community. Honest communication with participants is not only an ethical practice but can also help mitigate misunderstandings and build trust.
The position the researcher takes within the community during the observation can vary depending on the research goals and the dynamics of the community. In different situations, the researchers will have to continuously shift between being a full observer, full participant, and adaptive researcher. In any case, you should be transparent about your role and intentions within the community. Honest communication with participants is not only an ethical practice but can also help mitigate misunderstandings and build trust.
Reflexivity
Practitioners will need to critically examine and acknowledge their own biases, subjectivity, and the impact they may have on the community they are studying. Continuously reflect on your own perspectives, values, and assumptions as these biases based on your positioning in the community may impact the kind of insights that may in return harm or disrupt the community.
Practitioners will need to critically examine and acknowledge their own biases, subjectivity, and the impact they may have on the community they are studying. Continuously reflect on your own perspectives, values, and assumptions as these biases based on your positioning in the community may impact the kind of insights that may in return harm or disrupt the community.
Further reading
HOW TO CONDUCT AN ETHNOGRAPHY?
HOW TO CONDUCT AN ETHNOGRAPHY?
HOW TO CONDUCT AN ETHNOGRAPHY?
by Karl Thompson
by Karl Thompson
Have experience with this method?
Have experience with this method?
Have experience with this method?
We welcome contributions from practitioners, researchers, and educators who’ve worked with this method in practice. Help expand our collective knowledge by sharing your perspective.
We welcome contributions from practitioners, researchers, and educators who’ve worked with this method in practice. Help expand our collective knowledge by sharing your perspective.
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