1. Chapter 17
Observation, Participant-
Observation, and Carnal
Sociology

2. A Spectrum Of Observation:
Degrees Of Separation
• Unobtrusive Observation
• “Obtrusive” Observation: A Range of
Involvement
• Carnal Participation and Observation
– Club Dancing
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3. Choosing Carnal Sociology
• The researcher often begins a study with a
conscious choice where the research will:
– Fall along the spectrum from observation to
“carnal sociology.”
• The “Goodness of Fit” between Observer
and Observed
• Research Ethics and IRB Restrictions
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4. Entry and Guides
• Milieu
• Entry
– Gatekeepers
– Sponsored entry
• The Guide, Key Informants, and Research
Bargains
– Key Informants
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5. Entry and Guides
• Recording Observation and Participation:
Field Notes and Analytic Memos
– Descriptive Notes (Dns)
• Choices about Recording: Descriptive
Notes
• The Analytic Memo: A Device for Making
Sense of Notes
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6. Howard Becker’s Tips For Improving
Objectivity and Plausibility
• Observable Indicators
• Credibility of Informants
• Volunteered and Spontaneous Sharing of
Information versus Directed Information:
– A Clue to the Salience of Concerns
• Noting the Frequency and Distribution of
Phenomena
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7. First Steps: Mapping Space,
Identifying Icons, Recording Time
• A great way to begin observing is spatial
mapping & creation of a time schedule;
– Charting the space of your research site and
recording the daily and weekly round of life
• Wacquant
• Shadowing
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8. A Summary Of Practical Tips
• Write field notes as soon as possible after
the observation and during
• Writing strips
• Write AMs to link the descriptive notes to
your research questions and to theories
• Write AMs that create different groupings
of the DN material
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