SCMA*2040 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Candid Camera
Week 6: Observations
-Participant: observer is also a PARTICIPANT
-Non-Participant: Observer’s presence does not, in any way, influence what is
being observed; Very rare unless conditions set-up or structured
-Structured: Conditions set-up; Observe in pre-defined categories (small group lab
experiments);
one-way mirror, candid camera (actual observer not involved)
-Unstructured: Natural setting; Makes as many notes as possible and tries to
analyze later; (make sense of, interpret)
Problems
-Every human is an ‘observer’
-Individual perspective varies by individual (observer)
-Bias, preconception
-Jump to conclusions
Biased Viewpoint Effect
-Aware of our own biases and impact on observations
-How did your prior knowledge (of coffee shop) affect your observations
Control Effect
-Influence of own presence on observed
-At some point the Observed will recognize Observers presence and possible
alter their behaviour to suit their perception of expectation eg. Camera
-Struggle
-
Sociological Perspective: require broad thesis from a sociological theory
Must have:
a. A clearly defined PLACE like a coffee shop; Describe physical setting (doors,
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Document Summary
Non-participant: observer"s presence does not, in any way, influence what is being observed; very rare unless conditions set-up or structured. Structured: conditions set-up; observe in pre-defined categories (small group lab experiments); one-way mirror, candid camera (actual observer not involved) Unstructured: natural setting; makes as many notes as possible and tries to analyze later; (make sense of, interpret) Aware of our own biases and impact on observations. How did your prior knowledge (of coffee shop) affect your observations. At some point the observed will recognize observers presence and possible alter their behaviour to suit their perception of expectation eg. camera. Sociological perspective: require broad thesis from a sociological theory. Understand the meaning that subjects attach to actions, events, institutions of their sub-culture/society. Most taken for granted and expressed only indirectly through word and action. Who has the real" power try to figure out the rules. Describe the place (tables, chairs, pictures, colour, draw a map)
