A researcher is interested in studying illegal drug markets. More precisely, she

Question

A researcher is interested in studying illegal drug markets. More precisely, she is interested in examining the extent to which drug dealers have abandoned legitimate ways to achieve the American dream. She wants to use a qualitative methodology but is unsure whether she should use complete observation, participation and observation, or covert participation. For each strategy, write one paragraph in which you highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each. Based on your review of each strategy, which would you recommend to study illegal drug markets? Explain your answer.

Explanation / Answer

Complete Observation: Here the researcher is neither seen nor noticed by the participants. Observer is detached from the experiment or research objective. This type of method is used to minimize the Hawthorne Effect or the observer effect (a type of reactivity in which participants modify their behavior in response to their awareness of being observed). In this observation method participants are more likely to act normal and natural as they don’t know that they are being observed.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Participant Observation: Here the researcher is known by the participants. The observer is a "player" in the action. When we engage in participant observation, our hope is to be accepted as an insider, or to get to the backstage where you are a true participant. In this case participants may not act normal as they know about the observer and his goal. Hawthorne Effect or the Observer effect is likely to occur here. Participant observation is probably the most stressful research method for the researcher. People with whom one is interacting may make unreasonable and illegal demands.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Covert Participation: Covert participant observation is where the researcher does not reveal that he is actually a researcher, almost like a spy. Here the observer fully engages with the participants and partakes in their activities. This type of method is used to minimize the Hawthorne Effect or the observer effect as participants aren’t aware that observation and research is being conducted, even though they fully interact with the researcher.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

a) We can mix with the group and observe their activities which would be otherwise life threatening for an Overt observer.

b) Gaining access to the closed group is easier beacuse the researcher does not have to seek formal permissions.

c) The researcher can himself /herself participate in the group activities to get deeper insights.

d) We can minimise the observer effect by acting as an Covert observer.

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