Methods in Context: Observations

Evaluation

Interpretivists would favour observations as researcher's can gain valid data (verstehen) in a natural environment; finding meanings members attach to activities. Positivists would argue that the lack of control means findings may not be entirely relevant or have the reliability to be proved? Ethnography is a good example as it is a study of the way of life. May be safer to use covert research when dealing with deviant groups but there is still the factor of (access) maintaining loyalties which creates a personal stress. Hobbs chose to participate in illegal activities in order to maintain an insider status. With overt observation some members may be open to talk to an authoritative/educational figure but others may deceive the researcher. However Barker could ask further questions for clarification when she observed the Moonies.