A brief note on what activities need to be done to actually practice participant observation: for Housing Studies students (information from perplexity.ai)
My question: "As a part-time student on research methods for the Housing Studies class, I have a question of what is required to count as a participant observation. My concern is: I would like to learn the quality of residential life of the aging residents in the public estate of Wong Tai Sin of Hong Kong. As I am not a resident there and I am not an old person, what research tasks do I need to take in order to consider my primary research method in this case a a participant observation?"
The reply: "
What Counts as Participant Observation?
Participant observation is a qualitative method where the researcher actively engages—at some level—with a community or group as part of the research process. You do not necessarily need to be a resident or share demographic characteristics of the group you study, but you should aim to immerse yourself in their setting and routines, while building trust and rapport.
How Can a Non-Resident Conduct Participant Observation?
If you're studying aging residents in Wong Tai Sin when you're neither old nor a resident, you can still perform participant observation by:
Gaining Entry & Rapport: Find ways to become a familiar and accepted presence—volunteer at an elderly center, participate in local community events, or collaborate with existing community groups. The goal is to have sustained, natural interactions, so residents get used to your presence.
Choosing Your Role: You will likely use "moderate participation," which balances being insider/outsider: you take part in activities without pretending to be a resident or elderly community member. You might help organize events, attend social gatherings, or spend time in shared spaces.
Participating & Observing: Record observations and experiences while participating in daily activities. Take field notes on routines, interactions, informal conversations, use of facilities, and community dynamics—focusing on what affects quality of life for older residents.
Ethics & Consent: Clearly communicate your role as a researcher, seek permission where needed (especially for close or private observations and quotes), and respect privacy/confidentiality.
Tasks Required to Count as Participant Observation
Become involved: Regularly participate in activities alongside your subjects (e.g., help at an elderly centre or join neighborhood exercises).
Observe informally: Watch interactions, routines, social dynamics, physical environment, and respond naturally—avoiding scripted interviews during observation periods.
Document experiences: Keep detailed fieldnotes about what you observe and experience, seeing how your perspective evolves as you engage with the community.
Reflect on your position: Record your own reactions, how being a non-resident shapes your observations, and address any biases.
Quick Review
Participant observation ≠ "must be insider"—it's about engagement, immersion, and building relationships.
Your tasks: participate in community life, observe and document, always respect ethics, reflect on your stance.
Often used alongside interviews or surveys for richer data."
No comments:
Post a Comment