Participant Observation Paper

Participant observation is conducted throughout anthropology and sociology as a fundamental research method. Moreover, participant observation is rendered through a researcher’s efforts to delve into social concepts and diverse cultures in an interpersonal and comprehensive manner (Kawulich, 2005). Being examined, is an example of participant observation in concurrence with an example of methodology, theoretical perspective and epistemology. The example of participant observation will be addressed alongside a discussion on findings. Further, an evaluation plus recommendations will be made for future research observations. Lastly, the implications of ethics will be considered. Plus, the benefits and applications of this research method will be reviewed.

Participant observation is a research method used within the method of ethnography. Ethnography being a scientific representation of people’s cultures, principles and behaviours (Iphofen, n.d.). Participant observation places the researcher in a position where they may contextualise situations through the guise of participants. Further, participant observation enables one to better understand the participants or group being observed through its practicality and lack of bias. This form of Ethnography is founded on the philosophy of

As, the researcher I tended to focus upon common behaviours and shared experiences through the belief that the participants share a cultural perspective (Wall, 2015). Significantly, I recognised how difficult it can be to wholly place your presumptions to the side, whilst observing others. I do believe it is important to enter an observation with a clear and objective mindset. Correspondingly, I agree with Walter’s notion that it is easier to perceive particular structures and cultural norms, when the participants and setting in observation, differs from what is conversant to you (Walter,